TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black, each with their own unique characteristics. The Bluish White is a tactile switch, perfect for those who desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. When typing on these switches, we detect a snappy sound profile, giving you that extra tactile feedback. It is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch, renowned for its silent nature. This switch is ideal for environments that necessitate quieter typing. It offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, providing a smooth and serene typing experience. It is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own merits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have some similarities, but also distinct differences. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. Although they differ slightly in pitch and sharpness, both materials aim to provide a satisfying sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Bluish White incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black uses Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this material is also described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, giving it a clacky sound. While both materials aim to achieve similar thin and higher-pitched sounds, the specific blend used in the Silent Ink Black may offer slightly different characteristics compared to nylon.
When considering the overall sound and feel of these switches, it's crucial to acknowledge that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are distributed differently. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that when you press down on the switch, the material of the bottom housing will contribute to the sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the top housing material will primarily influence the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the polycarbonate and nylon housing materials may differ, they both contribute to the overall typing experience by offering unique characteristics depending on the stage of keypress.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, while the Silent Ink Black switch requires a heavier force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Bluish White has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams.
The lighter actuation force of the Bluish White switch makes it suitable for those who prefer a smoother and easier typing experience. This makes it ideal for long periods of typing, such as when using the keyboard for work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force. This may be preferred by individuals who desire a stronger push feel in their keystrokes.
Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences. The lighter actuation force of the Bluish White switch allows for effortless typing, while the heavier force required by the Silent Ink Black switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback. Therefore, depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between these switches to ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have different travel distances. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional distance. If you prefer a faster response time, the Bluish White would be the better option with its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker keystrokes. However, if you prefer a deeper feel and find shorter travel distances too abrupt, then the Silent Ink Black with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize responsiveness or a deeper keypress sensation. Both switches offer different experiences, so choose accordingly.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound. It produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch provides a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It offers a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The stepped characteristic of the switch means that it feels more mild compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. It offers a subtle resistance and gentle typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch also offers a silky and polished typing experience. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their smooth and refined feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch provides a poppy and low-pitched sound profile, while offering a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound and a silky, polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing environment. If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Bluish White switch would be a great choice. Its low-pitched sound profile, buttery feel, and mild characteristics provide a smooth and effortless typing sensation that is approachable to most. Additionally, its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal. With its muted sound, pillow-like bottom-out feel, and silky smooth typing experience, this switch excels in environments that necessitate minimal audio feedback. Like the Bluish White switch, it also features a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and enhanced typing feel.
In the end, whether you choose the TTC Bluish White tactile switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, both options offer their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. So consider your preferred sound profile, desired typing feel, and the noise tolerance of your surroundings to make an informed decision.
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