Outemu Phoenix vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch, and the TTC Silent Bluish White, a tactile switch. The Phoenix stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism, providing an unparalleled clicking experience. With a crunchy and polished sound profile, typing on the Phoenix switch feels like a symphony of crystalline and sparkling sensations. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a medium tactile feel, striking a balance between resistance and comfort. These switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Despite their tactile nature, the Silent Bluish Whites are far from loud, offering a satisfying and precise typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Phoenix and TTC Silent Bluish White both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to their bottom housing, the Phoenix differs from the Silent Bluish White. The Phoenix also uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which provides a clear and resonant sound profile, similar to its top housing. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Phoenix will offer a consistent and sharp bottom-out sound and feel.
In contrast, the Silent Bluish White employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Silent Bluish White will offer a different typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, compared to the Phoenix.
Overall, both the Outemu Phoenix and TTC Silent Bluish White utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound and aesthetic qualities. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Phoenix providing a clear and resonant sound profile due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silent Bluish White offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is apparent that there are notable differences between the two. The actuation force of the Phoenix switch is unfortunately unknown, while the Silent Bluish White requires 42 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Phoenix switch has a weight of 62 grams, which can be considered medium, while the Silent Bluish White is lighter at 50 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch often find it beneficial as they can type for longer durations without experiencing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals using a keyboard for work purposes or indulging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger actuation force, as it provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience. They may prefer switches with heavier forces to meet their requirements.
Though the exact actuation force of the Phoenix switch is not provided, it can be assumed that if it is comparable to the Silent Bluish White switch, users can expect similar results. Both switches fall within the lighter to medium range, with the Silent Bluish White being the lighter of the two. Ultimately, the decision of which switch to choose depends on personal typing preferences and the desired level of force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the Phoenix has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize fast response times. The shorter travel distance of the Phoenix may appeal to those seeking even quicker key presses, as it offers a more responsive feel. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Silent Bluish White with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for either a faster and more responsive input or a more substantial and satisfying keystroke.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Phoenix clicky switch is best described as crunchy. The sound produced by these switches resembles the satisfying crunch of stepping on piles of crisp, autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is known for its muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, aiming to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch provides a polished typing experience. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The tactile feedback of these switches is crystaline and sparkling, offering a unique sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offers a variety of qualities. They provide a buttery typing experience, meaning the keystrokes feel smooth and fluid. They are also considered mild, with a gentle level of resistance that is approachable for most users. Additionally, these switches have a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. They are subtle in nature, offering a light typing feel and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces. Like the Phoenix, the Silent Bluish White switch also features a polished switch design, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch stands out for its unique crystalline and sparkling sound and its polished feel. It offers a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch delivers a satisfying level of resistance and a quieter, more muted sound. It has a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and comfortable typing sensation. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches offer qualities that cater to different preferences and purposes. Whether you prefer a crunchy and unique click or a smooth and precise typing experience, these switches can be excellent choices, and you can expect similar results in terms of their polished typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique click mechanism that produces a crystalline and sparkling sound, then the Phoenix is the switch for you. It offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch with a medium tactile feel, the Silent Bluish White is a great choice. It provides a buttery and stepped typing experience, with a more gentle resistance. Its sound profile is muted, making it perfect for office or shared living spaces. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired level of resistance, sound preference, and the environment in which you will be using your mechanical keyboard.
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