KTT Orange vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange 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 KTT Orange, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Bluish White, a tactile switch. Starting with the KTT Orange, this switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With a long pole POM stem and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, the Orange switch offers a slick and smooth key travel that minimizes friction. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile ensures a relatively quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch provides a medium tactile feel, offering a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living spaces. Despite their tactile nature, they are far from loud. In terms of sound, they are muted and subtle. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches share a common feature - both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of material in both switches creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Additionally, the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucency is especially advantageous for those intending to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. Hence, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both the Orange and Silent Bluish White switches due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Orange employs polycarbonate, while the TTC Silent Bluish White utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange offers properties similar to its top counterpart, contributing to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Bluish White brings forth a different acoustic experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, switches with nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound that can be described as duller and rounder in comparison to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange. Thus, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In summary, while both the KTT Orange and TTC Silent Bluish White switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing, the distinction arises in their respective bottom housings. The Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer bottom-out sound, while the Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Understanding the impact of these housing materials is vital as it influences the overall experience while typing, allowing users to make an informed choice based on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Orange requires 46 grams of force, while the Silent Bluish White requires slightly less at 42 grams. This means that the Silent Bluish White has a lighter actuation force and may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. Both switches fall into the category of medium-light actuation force, providing a balanced typing experience.
Turning to the bottom out force, the Orange switch requires 53 grams of force, whereas the Silent Bluish White requires slightly less, at 50 grams. Again, the Silent Bluish White switch has a lighter bottom out force compared to the Orange switch, indicating that it may offer a softer typing experience when fully pressed down. This can be preferable for users who prioritize a gentler and more effortless keystroke.
In terms of weight, the Silent Bluish White switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Orange switch. This lighter profile may be desirable for users who engage in extended typing sessions, such as office work or long gaming sessions. The reduced force required allows for a more comfortable typing experience over longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer that tactile feedback.
In summary, while the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch share similarities in terms of being medium-light switches, they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White switch has a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Orange switch offers a slightly heavier force, providing a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Orange or the Silent Bluish White, you will experience the same travel distance when pressing down on a key. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
The KTT Orange switch is best known for its low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is described as muted, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Both switches are designed to minimize noise, making them suitable for office or shared living spaces. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The keys have a lively feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. These switches are designed to minimize resistance and maximize smoothness, resulting in a fluid key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as mild, which means it offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They fall within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bouncy and frictionless feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch has a muted sound profile, providing a buttery and mild typing experience. While they have different characteristics, both switches aim to offer a refined and smoother typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the desired level of sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great choice. With its 53-gram bottom out force and the use of a long spring, it provides a slick and lively typing experience. Additionally, the Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives a more bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a buttery and mild feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is ideal. Its 50-gram bottom out force, along with its stepped and subtle tactile feedback, offers a precise and comfortable typing experience. Moreover, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. In terms of sound, the Silent Bluish White has a more muted sound profile, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for the level of tactile feedback and the overall sound and feel of the switch.
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