TTC Bluish White vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two excellent options for mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Silent Red. The Bluish Whites are tactile switches that provide a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile. They are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Reds are the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They have a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfiness. They are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique advantages, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 the TTC Silent Red share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Similarly, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that are influenced by their respective housing materials.
While the top housings of the TTC Bluish White and Silent Red are both made of polycarbonate, it is important to note that the difference in their bottom housings will affect their overall sound and feel. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch is primarily influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. As the Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing, it can be expected to produce a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder bottom-out sound. This subtle difference in the bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience of each switch.
On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the qualities of the top housing. As both switches incorporate polycarbonate top housings, they will offer similar results in this regard. The crisp and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate will be present when letting go of a key for both the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Silent Red. Thus, while the bottom and top housings differ for these switches, their respective impacts on sound and feel complement each other to provide a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Silent Red requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Bluish White is 50 grams, whereas the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Therefore, if weight is a factor to consider, the Bluish White provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a more substantial push feel due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to individuals who desire a stronger tactile feedback. While both switches differ in their forces, it is crucial to choose the one that aligns with personal preferences to ensure an optimal typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have travel distances that are shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm and deeper than the most shallow 3.0 mm. Shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the TTC Silent Red linear switch with its longer travel distance might be more appealing. It's important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch is more suitable for an individual's typing or gaming style. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches falls within a relatively small range, so similar results can be expected in terms of overall feel and 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a muted sound profile. This means that these switches produce a softer and quieter sound, which is perfect for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Bluish White and Silent Red switches share several similarities. Both switches are described as buttery, which indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are classified as mild, meaning they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Their qualities fall within a safe and middle-ground zone, ensuring comfort for most users. Furthermore, both switches are considered polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
Based on the provided information, the TTC Bluish White and Silent Red switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The main difference lies in the sound profile, with the Bluish White switches offering a low-pitched tone and the Silent Red switches providing a muted sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience, with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Whether you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy sound or a linear switch with a quieter profile, both options provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force of 50 grams, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a snappy sound profile and a buttery feel, making every keystroke smooth and seamless. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile ensures a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel. They are best known for their muted sound profile, making them suitable for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red switches also provide a buttery feel and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and Silent Red switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a poppy typing experience with a lighter touch, the Bluish White switches are the way to go. However, if you value a noise-free and smooth typing experience, the Silent Red switches would be more suitable.
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