Keygeek Keylin vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, tactile feedback, and sound profile. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its premium typing experience, characterized by rich acoustics and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This makes it an enticing option for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience and enjoy a quieter operation, free from the tactile bump typically associated with other switch types. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile feel that delivers precise resistance with every keystroke, catering to typists who appreciate feedback without excess noise. Its design aims to minimize sound, making it an excellent choice for environments like offices or shared living spaces where quietude is essential. Both switches have their own merits, appealing to different user preferences; 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
38g
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
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles during typing. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, known for its characteristics of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the Keylin's typing experience offers a rounder, less sharp sound, which may appeal to users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The stiffer composition of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance in sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustical feedback from their switches, particularly in RGB lighting setups that thrive on translucency.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to shared auditory characteristics in that aspect. Much like in the Keylin, the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a deeper and fuller sound, thereby creating a uniformity in the auditory experience from the bottom aspects of these switches. This similarity suggests that while each switch has different top housing materials affecting their acoustic properties distinctly, the foundation provided by nylon in the bottom housing serves to ground the sound characteristics of both models. Thus, the combination of a nylon bottom with a polycarbonate top in the Silent Bluish White (V2) still allows for a nuanced depth in sound that is akin to the Keylin switch, albeit from a different construction perspective.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Keygeek Keylin and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) exemplify how sound profiles can vary depending on the choice of plastic. While the Keylin's nylon top housing leads to a richer and more muted type feel, the polycarbonate in the Silent Bluish White (V2) enhances clarity, presenting a sharper contrast. Yet, because both retain a nylon bottom housing, users can still experience an overall depth in sound in both models. This interplay between the materials means that both switches will offer unique typing experiences, appealing to various preferences while still ensuring a level of familiarity due to the use of nylon for the bottom housing in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This results in a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer. Both switches fall into the category of lighter switches, suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, but the Keylin offers a marginally lighter feel, which may benefit those prioritizing comfort during long use. Ultimately, users looking for a more tactile feedback with a firmer push may gravitate towards the Silent Bluish White (V2), while those who favor a softer feel may opt for the Keylin.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it is evident that the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Keylin the longer travel option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key press and a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a marginally shorter travel distance, potentially catering to those seeking quicker response times in their keystrokes. Although the difference is only 0.1 mm, it highlights a distinction in user preference—if you favor a more responsive feel, the slightly shorter TTC switch might be the better choice, while those who value a more robust depth may gravitate towards the Keygeek Keylin. Overall, these differences underline how even small variations in travel distance can influence the typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, the Keylin offers a rich acoustic profile that is likely to provide a more resonant sound experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is designed to be muted, producing a softer and quieter sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Bluish White particularly suitable for environments where noise might be an issue. Although the Keylin has not been described in terms of sound specifics, the overall impression suggests a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the quiet and subdued nature of the Silent Bluish White.
In terms of feel, the Keylin linear switch is highlighted for its exceptional smoothness, leading to a seamless typing experience. This smoothness can be particularly appealing for users who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile bumps. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a multi-faceted tactile sensation, described as buttery, stepped, subtle, and polished. These qualities suggest that while the Silent Bluish White delivers a medium level of tactile feedback, it does so in a refined way that balances a satisfying resistance against a smooth keystroke. The stepped design allows for a noticeable distinction at the actuation point, making the typing experience feel intentional without being overly pronounced.
In conclusion, both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Keygeek Keylin excelling in providing a smooth and rich auditory experience while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) focuses on offering a quiet, refined tactile response suitable for shared environments. If sound is a critical factor for you, the Keylin’s potential resonance might draw your attention, while the muted characteristic of the Silent Bluish White makes it an attractive choice for quieter settings. The difference in tactile feedback between the linear and tactile designs further emphasizes the need to choose based on personal typing preferences and the intended use case.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switches and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switches, consider both your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using them. If you value a smooth and fluid typing experience, the Keylin switches provide a lightweight feel at 48 grams with rich acoustics, making them ideal for those who enjoy the sensation of effortless key presses. This makes them a great choice for gaming or casual typing, where speed and smoothness are prioritized. On the other hand, if you are working in a quieter environment like an office or a shared space, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are designed specifically to minimize noise while still offering a satisfying tactile feedback at 50 grams. Their muted sound profile and subtle tactile bump provide a level of resistance that many find pleasing without being disruptive, making them perfect for focused work sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the setting you’ll be in—whether you lean towards the smooth linearity of the Keylin or the refined tactility of the Silent Bluish White.
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