HMX EVA vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX EVA and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX EVA, inspired by the vibrant colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and resonant sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a minimalist and fluid typing experience without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile feel that provides a pleasing resistance upon pressing, allowing for precise typing while remaining quiet enough for use in office or shared spaces. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback but need to maintain a more subdued typing environment. Both switches have their unique advantages—smoothness versus tactility—that cater to different preferences in keyboard usage. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EVA and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches utilize different materials for their top housing, leading to distinct sound profiles during typing. The EVA employs nylon for its top housing, a classic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound characteristic. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder audio experience that is often preferred by users seeking a more muted and cohesive keypress. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) integrates polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer plastic lends itself to a sharper, crisper sound profile, reflecting a higher resonance that can enhance the clarity of each keystroke, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting where the translucency of polycarbonate creates a visually appealing illumination effect.
However, both the HMX EVA and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) share a similarity in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both switches. This uniformity means that the sound profile created by the bottom housing will significantly contribute to the overall experience during typing. The nylon material absorbs sound effectively, ensuring that the bottom-out sound remains deep and plush regardless of the contrasting effects provided by the top housing materials. Consequently, when comparing these two switches, one can expect the tactile feedback and overall aural experience of the key press to carry an element of consistency, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, when considering the switches as a whole, the combination of materials results in a nuanced sound experience that balances both depth and clarity. The EVA's nylon top housing provides a duller sound, complemented by the mellow tones of its nylon bottom, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) aims for brightness and clarity in its upper register due to polycarbonate, matched with the softness of its nylon bottom housing. This interplay of material properties means that while the sound profiles differ, both switches can deliver satisfactory results depending on personal preferences and typing habits, all while maintaining a deep and rich tactile feedback due to their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
The HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch both present similar actuation forces, with each requiring 42 grams to trigger a keystroke, which makes them equally light in that regard. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the EVA requiring 48 grams to fully bottom out, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) takes 50 grams. This means that, although both switches feel light during normal typing, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a slightly heavier resistance when pressed all the way down. For users who prefer a lighter switch to facilitate comfort during long typing or gaming sessions, the EVA may be the preferred choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Silent Bluish White (V2) for its marginally higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EVA linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the EVA switch the longer of the two, offering a bit more depth when pressed compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2). For gamers seeking rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2) may provide a quicker actuation, which can enhance performance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel with a bit more travel distance, the HMX EVA would be the better choice, as its 3.6 mm travel distance offers a touch more feedback before bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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
The sound signature of the HMX EVA switch is distinctively resonant, offering a rich auditory experience that stands out in the mechanical keyboard world. This characteristic may provide a lively atmosphere while typing, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate feedback through sound. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has a muted sound, designed specifically to minimize the clattering noise often associated with mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for users in quiet environments, such as offices or shared living spaces, where noise reduction is essential. Both switches’ sound profiles may be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap selection, but the fundamental nature of the EVA’s resonant sound versus the Silent Bluish White's muted tone remains clear.
In terms of feel, the HMX EVA offers a silky smooth typing experience, which contributes to an effortlessly fluid keystroke. This type of smoothness is ideal for users seeking a seamless action with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) presents a medium tactile sensation characterized by its stepped design. This means the switch features a mild tactile bump that gives the user a sense of engagement without overwhelming resistance. The "buttery" smoothness of the Silent Bluish White complements its tactile feedback, providing a balanced typing experience that is approachable for many users. Both switches cater to a different typing preference: the EVA emphasizes a smooth glide while the Silent Bluish White maintains a tactile yet subtle interaction.
Overall, the HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The EVA is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White is perfect for users looking for a quieter option with a satisfying tactile feel. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback in your typing experience. If you find yourself drawn to both qualities, selecting the HMX EVA for its smoothness or the TTC Silent Bluish White for its quiet comfort will lead to fulfilling results in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light, smooth keystroke and enjoy the aesthetic influence of popular culture, the EVA switch is an excellent choice, offering a unique sound signature and a silk-like feel that can enhance your typing experience, particularly for gaming or creative tasks. However, if you find yourself typing in a quiet office environment or shared living space, the Silent Bluish White (V2) will cater to your needs with its subdued sound profile and medium tactile feedback. Its gentle yet satisfying resistance provides precise typing without being noisy, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without disturbing those around you. Therefore, if your focus is on a balance of tactile feedback combined with a quieter experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) could prove more beneficial. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the sounds you prefer, and whether you are in a sound-sensitive environment when making your decision.
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