TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two unique mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different typing preferences and desires. The TTC Bluish White is a tactile switch, perfect for those who seek a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. This switch provides a buttery and mild tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel smooth and polished. Additionally, the Bluish White emits a low-pitched sound profile, giving a pleasant auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, we have the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch that stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism. This clicky switch offers a distinctive and crystalline typing experience, making it the most unique clicky switch currently available. The Phoenix features a crunchy and polished sound profile, providing a satisfying response to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Phoenix, specifically their polycarbonate top housings, share similarities in terms of sound profile and aesthetic use. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhancing clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it beneficial when incorporating RGB lighting into the switch. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal when using either the Bluish White or the Phoenix switches.
However, when comparing their bottom housing materials, the Bluish White adopts a nylon housing, while the Phoenix uses a polycarbonate housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phoenix aligns with its top housing, enhancing the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This further emphasizes the impact of the housing material on the overall sound produced by the switch.
Considering the division of qualities between the top and bottom housings, the differences in material between the two switches become significant. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the tactile feedback experienced when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing material contributes more significantly to the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the differing bottom housing materials will result in noticeable variations in the sound and feel of using the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Phoenix switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Bluish White has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it effortless to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force for the Outemu Phoenix is unspecified, so we cannot directly compare it to the Bluish White. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of force to fully depress the key, which is still relatively light. In contrast, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, presenting a medium level of resistance.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may find the TTC Bluish White more suitable for extended typing periods or prolonged gaming sessions. Its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for smooth and effortless keystrokes. Meanwhile, those seeking a more substantial and responsive typing experience may opt for the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Although we cannot compare the actuation forces directly, it is worth noting that both switches may provide similar results if they happen to have similar actuation forces. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel when it comes to typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it becomes evident that the Bluish White has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Phoenix offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting. The traditional travel distance is typically around 4.0 mm, with 3.0 mm being the most shallow. In recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the shorter option, in this case, the Phoenix, may be more suitable for you. However, it is essential to consider personal preferences, as some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press experience, the Bluish White, with its longer travel distance, would be the better choice. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched tone. This means that it provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as having a crunchy sound profile. This type of sound is commonly associated with clicky switches and resembles the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a low-pitched and mellow sound, the Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice, while those who prefer a crisp and crunchy sound may find the Phoenix switch more appealing.
When considering the feel of the switches, both the Bluish White and Phoenix switches are described as polished. This indicates that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The use of high-quality materials and potential factory lubing contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel with both switches. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Bluish White switch also falls into the mild category, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Furthermore, it has a stepped feel, providing subtle pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations compared to more pronounced tactile switches. As for the Phoenix switch, the available information does not provide specific details about its tactile feel, so we cannot make a direct comparison in terms of feel between the two switches.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch differ in terms of sound profile, with the Bluish White offering a low-pitched tone and the Phoenix providing a crunchy sound. Both switches, however, share similar qualities in terms of feel, with a polished finish and the potential for smooth key travel. The Bluish White switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, while also having a stepped feel. It is suitable for those seeking a smooth and seamless typing sensation. Although specific details about the Phoenix switch's feel are unknown, its polished characteristics suggest a sleek typing experience. However, it's crucial to consider personal preference and other factors such as keyboard layout and keycap choice when selecting the most suitable switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience. The Bluish White offers a light bottom out force of 50 grams, resulting in a buttery and mild typing feel. It provides a satisfyingly poppy experience with its low-pitched sound profile. This switch is suitable for those who prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke with a refined finish. On the other hand, the Phoenix has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, giving a medium feel. Its under-skirt click mechanism creates a unique clicky experience with a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of walking on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel. Ultimately, if you desire a more gentle and mellow typing experience with a light sound profile, the Bluish White is a great choice. However, if you crave a clicky switch with a higher bottom out force and a distinct crunchy sound, the Phoenix is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile when making your decision.
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