Cherry MX Black vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry MX Black and TTC Silent Bluish White are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct qualities. The MX Black, known for its smooth texture and deep sound profile, offers a satisfyingly stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White provides a medium tactile feel that combines precision and comfort. These switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Both switches have their advantages, with the MX Black offering a low-pitched and textured experience, while the Silent Bluish White provides a buttery, mild, and stepped feel. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make the best decision based on your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and TTC Silent Bluish White switches have contrasting housing materials that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic and its ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White has a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. The use of translucent polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting applications.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic properties allow it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the MX Black and Silent Bluish White switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, contributing to their similar deep and rich sound profiles.
When considering the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that if a switch features different top and bottom housing materials, the characteristics of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the sound and feel during the bottom-out action, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the distribution of these qualities, users can effectively choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience and sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different levels of weight. The MX Black is notably heavier, requiring an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White provides a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams.
For those who prefer a keyboard with a lighter touch, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier and quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience might find the MX Black switch more satisfying due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel, lending a sense of robustness to each keystroke.
Although the weights of these switches differ, it is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal switch. Those who desire a light or heavy actuation and bottom out force can achieve similar results by selecting the appropriate switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force required to trigger keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional travel distance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Black the longer of the two switches. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the MX Black provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by some individuals. However, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Silent Bluish White offers a slightly shallower experience, which can be advantageous for gamers who require faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the MX Black providing more depth and the Silent Bluish White offering a shorter and potentially more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black switches are best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a deeper and mellower tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are described as muted. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a low-pitched sound, the MX Black switches would be a suitable choice, while if you want a quieter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switches would be more appropriate.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for being textured and stiff. The textured aspect refers to the noticeable friction felt when pressing the switches. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, making them stiffer. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches have a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches have a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel. They also have a gentle bump with pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding a mild tactile sensation. The Silent Bluish White switches are suitable for shared spaces as they produce a non-resonant sound, and the polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black switches and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound profile with a textured and stiff feel. They provide a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches have a muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. They have a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and fluid keystroke. If you prefer a deeper and mellower sound with noticeable friction, the MX Black switches would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you want a quieter typing experience with a smooth and effortless keystroke, the Silent Bluish White switches would be more appropriate. It is important to consider your personal preferences and the overall typing experience you desire when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a classic smoothness and a low-pitched sound, making them a popular option for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a medium tactile feel and a quiet sound, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be the better option. These switches provide a precise and comfortable typing experience, with a muted sound that is perfect for shared spaces or office environments. With a buttery, mild feel and a polished finish, the Silent Bluish Whites offer a smooth and uniform keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Bluish White comes down to personal preference in terms of weight, sound, and feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider your specific needs before making a decision.
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