TTC Bluish White vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Silent Brown, both of which offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bluish Whites are tactile switches that provide a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. With their categorized attributes of being 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', these switches offer a distinct sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Browns are also tactile switches but offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. These switches are best known for their muted sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter working environment. With attributes such as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent Browns provide a gentle and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 TTC Silent Brown switches have many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. As a result, the top housing of both switches provides similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits.
However, the differences arise when it comes to the bottom housing material. The Bluish White switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Brown switch also has a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer nature. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a unique typing experience with both switches due to the differences in their bottom housings.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches is also worth noting. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in each switch contributes to a distinct tactile response and sound when keys are pressed. Conversely, the top housing's influence is more noticeable when keys are released, affecting the sound produced during key release. Therefore, while the housing materials may have some similarities, their separate roles in creating the switch's overall sound profile make for a different typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Meanwhile, the Silent Brown requires slightly more force with an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of pressure to fully press down, while the Silent Brown is heavier at 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches offer a relatively similar typing experience, as the differences in force required are not significant.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have noticeable differences in their travel distances. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. These variances in travel distance can impact the typing experience and the level of responsiveness. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as they enable faster response times, making the Bluish White switch a suitable choice for them. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances too abrupt and may prefer switches with a longer travel distance like the Silent Brown, which offers a more substantial depth. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 comparing the sound of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we observe distinct differences. The Bluish White switch has a low-pitched sound, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch produces a muted sound profile. Muted switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Overall, the Bluish White switch provides a more pronounced and vibrant sound, while the Silent Brown switch offers a more subtle and gentle sound.
In terms of feel, both the Bluish White and Silent Brown switches share several qualities. They are described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are classified as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. They fall within a safe middle-ground zone, neither too heavy nor too light. Furthermore, the switches are polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish. This contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Bluish White switch also has a stepped feel, implying that it has two stages in its tactile feedback. This gives users the sensation of some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. Overall, both switches provide an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience with similarities in feel.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the TTC Bluish White and Silent Brown tactile switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The Bluish White switch provides a low-pitched, snappy sound, while the Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound that minimizes noise. In terms of feel, both switches share qualities such as being buttery, mild, and polished. They provide a smooth and gentle typing experience with uniform feedback. While the sound and feel of these switches may have subtle variations, the overall typing experience remains comparable. Therefore, if you choose either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel, with differences mainly in sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the TTC Bluish White tactile switches would be a great choice for you. They have a light bottom out force of 50 grams and provide a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches would be more suitable for you. They have a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams and offer a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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