Cherry MX Orange vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and the intended use case. The Cherry MX Orange switch, renowned for its linear action, provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists who favor speed and consistency without the distraction of tactile feedback. Its recent reissue, the MX2A, brings enhancements that cater to enthusiasts seeking reliability and performance in their keyboards. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a satisfying tactile bump that delivers a clear but muted feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feel without the noise typically associated with tactile switches. This makes it a superb choice for office environments or shared spaces where quiet operation is paramount. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Cherry MX Orange for linear smoothness and speed, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) emphasizes tactile response and quietness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange switches and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer nature and sound-muffling properties. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and acoustic clarity. The stiffer polycarbonate allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound, leading to a more resonant typing experience. Thus, while both switches aim to provide enjoyable auditory feedback, their top housing materials create differing sound profiles that can greatly influence user experience.
On the other hand, both the Cherry MX Orange and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon in both cases. This mutual choice of material gives both switches a similar sound and feel when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing's softer qualities contribute to the overall deep and rounded sound profile, thus allowing for a cohesive auditory experience despite the differing top materials. This shared element in the construction of their bottom housings ensures that both switches provide a consistent foundation in terms of sound quality when the keys are fully pressed, demonstrating how design choices can affect the final performance of a mechanical switch.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings with the same bottom material results in switches that offer a distinctive typing experience while still maintaining certain similarities. The Cherry MX Orange's nylon top produces a warm, muted sound, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers more crispness and clarity due to its polycarbonate top. These contrasts in top housing ensure unique sound experiences and feedback upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing harmonizes both switches’ bottom-out sound to a deeper, understated tone. Hence, keyboard enthusiasts can select between these switches based on their preference for sound profiles, knowing that they will share similarities in overall feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, which provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Silent Bluish White has a bottom out force of 50 grams, the MX Orange's bottom out force is unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. However, with their distinct actuation forces—55 grams for the MX Orange and 42 grams for the Silent Bluish White (V2)—users can select the switch that best aligns with their typing preferences and comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cherry MX Orange boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the MX Orange provides a deeper press, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing, which some may find more satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), with its 3.5 mm travel, appeals to those who favor a snappier feel, which can enhance responsiveness, particularly in a gaming context. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for switch feel: if you value depth and a hearty keystroke, the Cherry MX Orange will be more suitable, whereas if you lean toward quicker response times and a more compact press, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) may serve you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 profiles of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, maintaining its linear nature, tends to be quieter than many other linear switches but is still capable of producing a slight sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is specifically designed to be muted, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to many traditional tactile switches. This muted characteristic makes it especially suitable for environments where noise is a consideration, such as offices or shared living spaces.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch delivers a smooth, linear keystroke without any tactile bump, providing a consistent typing experience from top to bottom. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes and rapid key presses. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a medium tactile feel, offering a satisfying level of resistance with its stepped character. This tactile feedback provides users with a sense of precision during typing, while still maintaining a subtle, polished feel making it approachable for a wide range of typists.
Overall, while both switches cater to different typing experiences, they each have qualities that may appeal to various users depending on their needs. The Cherry MX Orange offers a smooth, unobtrusive linear action ideal for fast, uninterrupted keystrokes, whereas the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) contributes a balanced tactile response with muted sounds, making it a great choice for quiet environments. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value a linear switch's smoothness or a tactile switch's feedback, along with considerations for the sound profile in your typing space.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a seamless and fluid typing experience without the distraction of noise, the MX Orange may be your best bet, especially in settings where you need to maintain a low sound profile. However, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a subtle resistance and appreciate a more muted auditory experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is an excellent choice. Its buttery feel and mild tactility offer a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environments you'll be using your keyboard in, and the kind of feedback you prefer to ensure you select the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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