Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) present unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a short yet medium-strength bump that enhances the overall typing experience, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists seeking a responsive connection with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a more muted tactile experience characterized by its medium tactility and quiet operation, which allows for an efficient and focused typing environment, perfect for those working in shared spaces. While the MX Purple RGB might attract gamers looking for a more assertive tactile sensation, the TTC Silent Bluish White stands out for users prioritizing a quieter, more subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 examining the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), notable differences are evident in their construction and impact on sound profiles. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its relatively softer composition. This material not only absorbs sound effectively, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience while typing, but also contributes to a muted sound profile that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material generates a sharper and crisper sound profile and is especially advantageous for RGB lighting due to its clear nature, allowing vibrant light effects to shine through, and attracting users who value aesthetics alongside performance.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing, with nylon being a common factor. This consistency in bottom housing means that, regardless of the difference in top housing materials, users will experience a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, leading to a consistent tactile experience across both switches when pressed down. Thus, the influence of this material equalizes sound impact for both models at the point of key activation, ensuring an overall cohesive performance characteristic during typing sessions.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different top and bottom materials culminates in distinct sound profiles experienced while typing. The soft nylon bottom of both switches contributes to a muted sound when keys are pressed down, while the differing top materials define the auditory experience upon key release. The Cherry MX Purple RGB's nylon top offers a deeper sound, while the TTC Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top provides a clearer, more resonant output. Ultimately, users seeking a sound profile shaded by deeper tones may prefer the Cherry MX Purple RGB, whereas those who desire a brighter and sharper auditory feedback might favor the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) for its elevated sound clarity and visual aesthetic.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may favor the TTC switch. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, whereas the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that, while both switches provide tactile feedback, the TTC switch may deliver a more defined experience at the end of a keystroke. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch should lean towards the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), while users who enjoy a heavier tactile feel may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, assuming its bottom out force is comparable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter. This variance can impact user experience significantly; those who prefer a more traditional, deeper feel might gravitate towards the MX Purple RGB for its greater depth, while gamers seeking quicker response times may opt for the Silent Bluish White (V2) due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch tends to be quieter than its more traditional counterparts, allowing for a more subtle audio profile; however, the specific sound characteristics are not detailed. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is explicitly designed to minimize noise, producing a muted sound that is ideal for office environments or shared spaces. This quality can be particularly advantageous if you're looking for a quieter typing experience that doesn't draw unnecessary attention, especially during long typing sessions.
As for the feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, which provides clear tactile feedback without being overly aggressive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is noted for its medium tactile feel with descriptors such as "buttery" and "polished," suggesting a smooth and effortless actuation. Moreover, it has a "stepped" tactile design that introduces gentle resistance and allows for a nuanced typing sensation. The combined qualities of gentle resistance and smoothness find a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making these switches enjoyable for extensive typing tasks.
Overall, while both switches aim to provide tactile feedback and comfort to the user, they achieve this through different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The MX Purple RGB offers a more traditional tactile bump while maintaining a relatively quiet sound, whereas the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) excels in producing a muted sound with a refined, silky feel that caters to those who favor a quieter environment. Depending on your priorities—whether they are sound or feel—either switch can deliver satisfying results, though the Silent Bluish White is particularly suited for noise-sensitive settings.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch should consider your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and environment. If you enjoy a more pronounced, yet refined tactile feedback and don't mind a bit more noise, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice. It delivers a satisfying tactile bump that can enhance your typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy gaming or heavy typing sessions where tactile feedback is important. However, if you work in a quiet environment or share your space with others, the Silent Bluish White (V2) may be the better option for you. With its muted sound profile and smooth, buttery keystrokes, it allows you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, select the switch that aligns best with your needs; whether you prioritize tactile intensity and a bit more sound or a quieter, smoother typing experience for shared spaces, both switches bring unique strengths to your mechanical keyboard setup.