Cherry MX Silent Red vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often come into play: the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The Cherry MX Silent Red is celebrated for its linear design, maintaining a slightly heftier feel typical of Cherry MX switches while significantly reducing noise levels, making it an ideal companion for those in noise-sensitive environments. Its unique muted, thocky acoustics provide a satisfying yet discreet typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) features a medium tactile feedback, offering users a pleasant resistance upon keypresses that enhances the precision of their typing. While it boasts a mild tactile sensation, it too is engineered for quiet operation, allowing it to shine in shared living or office spaces. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prefer the seamless glide of linear switches or the gentle feedback of tactile ones. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) in terms of their housing materials, distinct differences arise, particularly with the top housings. The Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its capacity to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic material contributes to a softer and rounder sound profile, making it an appealing choice for users looking for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is typically stiffer and more translucent. This stiffness creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making each keystroke more resonant. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances its appeal in RGB setups, allowing for vibrant lighting effects through the housing.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilize nylon for this component. This consistency in bottom housing material results in a similar engagement experience when pressing the switch, rendering deeper and fuller sound profiles due to the nylon’s sound-absorbent qualities. This similarity means that while the auditory feedback may differ when typing on the two switches, the bottom-out experience will feel consistent and cushioned thanks to the shared nylon material. Users can expect a pleasant tactile feedback when bottoming out on either switch.
The interaction between top and bottom housings plays a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience, as the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing predominantly affects the actuation and bottom-out feedback. With the Cherry MX Silent Red’s nylon top contributing to a rounded sound and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)’s polycarbonate top offering a crisper auditory experience, each switch provides distinctive sound profiles. Nonetheless, with both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, users can still enjoy a satisfying and dampened bottoming-out sensation that remains consistent across both switch options, creating a shared foundation for typing comfort.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user preference. The MX Silent Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a slightly heavier push compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), which has a lower actuation force of 42 grams. This lighter actuation force may make the TTC switch more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is not specified, making it challenging to draw a complete comparison. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully depressed, which could appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile experience. Thus, while the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a heavier actuation force and an unspecified bottom out force, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) stands out with a lower actuation force and a tangible bottom out sensation, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Cherry MX Silent Red features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter. For users who prefer more responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, appreciating its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 characteristics, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) present notably muted experiences, making them suitable for environments where noise reduction is paramount. The MX Silent Red delivers a deeper, richer sound profile that can be described as thocky and low-pitched, offering a satisfying auditory feedback reminiscent of the classic Cherry MX Red, albeit in a quieter form. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) also prioritizes low noise levels, providing a softer sound without the deeper resonance, thereby allowing for a more subtle typing experience. While both switches aim to minimize noise, the MX Silent Red's deeper tone adds a unique quality that may be desired by users who appreciate richer sound without disturbing others.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is characterized by a textured experience that is slightly heftier, presenting noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can heighten the tactile feedback for users who prefer a bit of resistance while typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a more buttery and polished feel, making for a smoother and effortless keystroke experience. The blend of a mild, stepped tactile profile with subtle resistance enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. Therefore, while the Silent Red’s textured feel may cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation, the Silent Bluish White captures a smoother execution that many typists find comfortable.
Overall, both switches provide a great balance between silence and tactile response, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The MX Silent Red excels in delivering a deeper sound and a textured typing experience, making it suitable for users who find satisfaction in physical feedback. Meanwhile, the Silent Bluish White (V2) stands out for its smoothness and muted sound, appealing to those who prioritize an effortless typing encounter. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound depth and tactile sensation, ensuring that both can deliver satisfying results in a quiet setting.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider the environment and your personal typing preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as a shared office or a library, the MX Silent Red is an excellent choice due to its exceptionally quiet operation and slightly heftier feel that still offers a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. Its muted, low-pitched sound profile allows for a pleasant auditory experience while ensuring minimal disruption. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback while still maintaining a subdued sound level, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better option. With its medium tactile feel and buttery smooth keystrokes, you can experience a comfortable and precise typing experience without the loudness often associated with tactile switches. These switches are particularly suitable for those who appreciate the tactile bump while typing, making them ideal for both office and home environments where you want to balance comfort and noise. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize linear smoothness and silence with the MX Silent Red or a tactile feedback and polished keystroke experience with the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2).
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