Cherry MX Red vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, a popular choice is the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and satisfying auditory depth. Its 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured' characteristics provide a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that offers a medium level of resistance when pressed, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience. These switches are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', emphasizing their quietness and comfort for use in office or shared living spaces. Each switch has its strengths and appeal depending on the user's preference; 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The absorption of sound by nylon creates a duller and rounder sound during typing, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of either switch. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a softer bottom-out sound, both the MX Red and the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be suitable choices.
However, the key point of differentiation lies in the top housing material used by each switch. While the MX Red utilizes nylon for the top housing, providing a consistent typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Silent Bluish White (V2) opts for a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This creates a more clear and resonant sound during typing, making the Silent Bluish White (V2) stand out in terms of sound clarity and sharpness compared to the MX Red.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) will ultimately come down to personal preference. Those who prefer a softer and fuller sound profile may lean towards the MX Red due to its nylon top housing, while users looking for a clearer and crisper sound may prefer the Silent Bluish White (V2) with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, showcasing the impact that material choice can have on the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the 42 grams required for the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch. However, the Cherry MX Red does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter press required to fully depress the key. This means that the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is overall lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out, making it a more comfortable option for extended typing or gaming sessions. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke may prefer the Cherry MX Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force required for optimal performance.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience and feel when using the two switches. The MX Red may provide a slightly more substantial keystroke, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) may feel slightly more responsive due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched typing experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound with each key press. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is designed to be muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that is perfect for environments where noise must be minimized, such as in an office or shared living space. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the MX Red delivering a more pronounced sound and the Silent Bluish White offering a more subtle and stealthy typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, providing a somewhat scratchy typing experience that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is gentle and uniform. The Silent Bluish White switch also has additional descriptors like mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, highlighting the various nuances in its tactile feel that cater to a wide range of typing preferences. Ultimately, the MX Red switch offers a more textured and tactile typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White switch provides a smoother and more refined key press.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The MX Red switch is known for its thocky sound and textured feel, providing a robust typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White switch is muted in sound and buttery in feel, offering a quiet and smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, you should choose the MX Red if you prefer a slightly heftier and deeper sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched sound. The MX Red offers a robust typing experience that is responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light bottom out force and a more muted, buttery, and stepped typing experience with a medium level of tactility, then the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch would be the better option. These switches provide a comfortable and precise typing experience that is designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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