TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and Outemu Tom both fall under the tactile switch category. The Bluish White is favored for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience and snappy sound profile, characterized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Tom lacks a specific standout feature but is still a tactile switch. If you prefer a switch with more noticeable feedback and a pronounced sound, the Bluish White may be the better choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and Outemu Tom switches share many similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches make use of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The clear housing of polycarbonate allows for the lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The TTC Bluish White utilizes a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, while both the TTC Bluish White and Outemu Tom switches have similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. These differing materials provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences for each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a relatively light bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares in that aspect. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience, with the Bluish White being the lighter option and the Tom offering a heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we can see that the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tom has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Bluish White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom. A difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Tom, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Bluish White. Ultimately, both switches offer a decent travel distance that falls within the range of comfort for most users, providing a satisfactory typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Outemu Tom comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its low-pitched profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not available, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Bluish White switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. These qualities translate to a smooth, effortless keystroke with a gentle resistance, suitable for quiet environments and providing reduced friction for a sleek feel. Conversely, details about the feel of the Outemu Tom switch are not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard. Nonetheless, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a balanced level of tactility and a refined keystroke, both switches may offer similar results.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch presents a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and a buttery, mild feel. While specific information about the Outemu Tom switch is lacking, if you prefer a switch with similar characteristics to the Bluish White, it's worth considering factors such as the level of tactility, typing smoothness, and overall typing experience to determine which switch best suits your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Bluish White tactile switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should opt for the TTC Bluish White if you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams and are looking for a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. The Bluish White offers a low-pitched sound with a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. However, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are seeking a different typing experience, the Outemu Tom might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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