TTC Gold Red vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Gold Red is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches have a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, giving you a precise and comfortable typing experience. Despite their medium tactility, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Both switches share characteristics such as being subtle and polished, but they differentiate in terms of sound and tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 TTC Gold Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Gold Red and the Silent Bluish White will offer similar sound experiences when it comes to the top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the TTC Gold Red features a nylon housing while the Silent Bluish White also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches will have a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material.
It's important to note that the properties of the top and bottom housings are split between the two switches. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ between the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White, the overall typing experience and sound profiles will have some similarities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that the amount of force needed to press the keys all the way down is the same for both switches. This ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel.
However, when it comes to actuation force, there is a slight distinction. The Gold Red linear switch requires an actuation force of 43 grams, whereas the Silent Bluish White tactile switch requires an actuation force of 42 grams. This suggests that the Silent Bluish White switch is slightly lighter in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes it ideal for scenarios such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For such users, selecting options with heavier actuation forces would be more suitable.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch share the same bottom out force, providing a consistent key travel experience. However, the Silent Bluish White switch has a marginally lighter actuation force, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a lighter keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Red has a longer travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm. This distinction is important as the travel distance directly affects the feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Gold Red with its longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, providing a sense of hearty depth. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or those seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances are often associated with increased responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gold Red linear switch produces a thocky sound, which is a deep and satisfying tone. These switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which gives them a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, the Gold Red switches offer a neutral sound that is not excessively loud or aggressive. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a muted sound profile. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them a great choice for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Bluish Whites are significantly quieter than the Gold Reds, providing a more subtle and gentle auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing feel for most users. The Gold Reds also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Bluish White tactile switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience. These switches offer a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, with a uniform and smooth typing sensation. The Silent Bluish Whites also have a polished finish for reduced friction and enhanced smoothness.
Based on the available information, it is evident that the Gold Red linear switch and the Silent Bluish White tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Reds offer a thocky and low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, while the Silent Bluish Whites have a muted sound profile. In terms of feel, the Gold Reds provide a mild and silky typing experience, while the Silent Bluish Whites offer a buttery and mildly stepped feel. Both switches have subtle characteristics, making them suitable for shared spaces. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and light typing experience with a touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. With a buttery smooth feel and a light-medium level of resistance, these switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation. Their low-pitched and neutral sound profile adds to the overall satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel and need a keyboard switch that is quiet, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is the ideal choice. With a medium tactile feel and a satisfying level of resistance, these switches provide precision and comfort while typing. Their muted sound profile makes them perfect for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize smoothness and personality or tactile feel and silence, both switches offer excellent options to enhance your keyboarding experience. In the end, the choice is yours to make based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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