Cherry MX Brown vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Cherry MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches provide a medium tactile feel, giving you a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. What sets them apart is their level of noise - while the MX Browns have a textured, bassy, and low-pitched sound, the Silent Bluish Whites are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, thus creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it is the MX Brown or the Silent Bluish White, users can expect a similar sound profile and typing experience when it comes to the bottom housing.
However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Silent Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials leads to distinct characteristics in sound profile. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, complementing the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Bluish White creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound, which is especially beneficial for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting due to the material's translucency.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing takes center stage, impacting the sound produced. Therefore, users can expect a combination of the qualities associated with the bottom and top housings, resulting in a nuanced and distinct typing experience specific to each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, we can see that they have similar characteristics with slight differences. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires slightly less force at 42 grams. This means that the Silent Bluish White has a slightly lighter touch when triggering a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams of force, while the Silent Bluish White requires slightly less at 50 grams. Therefore, in terms of bottoming out, the Silent Bluish White again has a slightly lighter touch. Both switches fall within the medium-light to light range, providing a relatively comfortable typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Silent Bluish White more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, if a user prefers a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the MX Brown could be the preferable choice. Overall, while the force required for actuation and bottom out may vary slightly, both switches offer similar results and can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the MX Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The MX Brown falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, offering a standard amount of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White may be the better choice for you. However, it's important to note that some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance of the MX Brown for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Brown 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 Brown switches offer a subtle and gentle audio feedback. They have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which adds a deeper and richer tone to the key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are designed to be as quiet as possible. They produce a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer relatively quiet operation, making them suitable for office or shared living spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Browns provide a relatively light typing experience with a textured feel. They have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish Whites offer a buttery and mild typing experience. The keystrokes feel smooth, effortless, and uniform, providing a seamless typing sensation. They are also described as stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Silent Bluish Whites have a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, they are considered polished switches, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and TTC Silent Bluish White switches have different subjective qualities. The MX Brown switches offer a subtlety with a relatively light and textured feel, accompanied by a bassy and low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish Whites provide a medium tactile feel with a buttery and mild typing experience. They are designed to be as quiet as possible, producing a muted sound. Depending on personal preferences and the typing experience desired, both switches can deliver satisfying results. It's essential to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal preferences when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, then the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the best choice for you. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with a subtle texture, making them suitable for those who prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. The MX Brown switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a precise and comfortable typing experience with a satisfying level of resistance, then the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. Despite their medium tactility, these switches have a buttery and stepped feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They are also designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. The Silent Bluish White switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches.
Ultimately, your choice between the Cherry MX Brown and TTC Silent Bluish White switches will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Consider factors such as typing experience, sound profile, and environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique advantages and are suitable for different individuals.
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