Outemu Black vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black 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 that often come up in discussions are the Outemu Black and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The Outemu Black is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent weighting, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a straightforward pressing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying level of feedback with each key press, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel. Additionally, the Silent Bluish Whites are designed to be quiet, making them a great choice for environments where noise levels are a concern. 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
65g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The two switches, Outemu Black and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite both switches using the same material for their top housing, the difference in the switch design or other components may affect the overall sound profile.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Black features nylon, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) also utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to switches with other materials. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In this aspect, both switches provide a similar typing experience due to their shared bottom housing material.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the qualities of the bottom housing material have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Black and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to different preferences and needs.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch is heavier than the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Black has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a lighter touch that may be preferable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. The actuation force of the Outemu Black will require a firmer press to trigger a keystroke compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). Bottoming out on the Outemu Black will also require more force compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), while those who enjoy a heavier touch may find the Outemu Black more to their liking.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black 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. In this case, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Black. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2) may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Outemu Black may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both options offer benefits depending on personal preference, with the shorter distance providing quicker actuation and the longer distance offering a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing style and preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Black switch is known for being relatively quiet, with a lack of distinct noise profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is specifically designed to minimize noise and produce a muted sound. This makes the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch more suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared living spaces. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Black switch does not have a specific tactile description available. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is described as having a buttery and mild tactile feel. This means that the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch provides a smooth and gentle typing experience, with a subtle and polished finish that enhances the overall feel. Additionally, the stepped characteristic of the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a more nuanced typing sensation compared to linear switches.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different subjective qualities. The Outemu Black switch provides a relatively quiet typing experience with a lack of tactile feedback, making it more suitable for those who prefer a smoother keystroke without a noticeable click. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a medium tactile feel with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize both tactile feedback and minimal noise levels. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 82 grams, the Outemu Black switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch would be a better option. The Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is known for its medium tactile feel, quiet operation, and buttery typing sensation, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch is best known for its heavy actuation force and linear feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and noise level.
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