Kailh Sage vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Sage and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Sage is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience, offering a refreshing sharpness and weight that gives a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a medium tactile feel that provides a precise and comfortable typing experience. Despite their tactile nature, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them an ideal choice for office or shared living spaces. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Bluish White have similar housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch with RGB lighting.

Differentiating the two switches, the bottom housings of the Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Bluish White are made of nylon. This material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound, providing a distinct auditory experience. This difference in bottom housing material allows users to choose the switch that best suits their preference for sound while typing.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials in each switch plays a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact and sound when bottoming out, are more pronounced during key pressing. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the differences between the nylon and polycarbonate materials in the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Bluish White can be felt and heard in various aspects of typing, adding to the overall tactile and auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The actuation force of the Sage switch is currently unavailable, while the Silent Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, indicating a lighter touch is required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Sage switch is 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force, such as the 42 grams provided by the Silent Bluish White switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for those who spend extended periods typing or engaging in gaming sessions. Alternatively, others may prefer the heightened tactile experience provided by a heavier actuation force, such as the unknown force of the Sage switch. This heavier force can create a more satisfying keystroke sensation, appealing to those who desire a more substantial feel while typing.

In summary, while the actuation force for the Kailh Sage switch remains unknown, it should be noted that it likely requires more force than the 42-gram actuation force of the TTC Silent Bluish White switch. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White switch is lighter at 50 grams, while the Sage switch offers a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, whether one prefers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have travel distances that vary from the most traditional 4.0 mm to the more shallow 3.0 mm. However, the Sage is slightly longer than the Silent Bluish White.

For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White may be preferable. The 3.5 mm travel distance allows for quick keystrokes and improved gaming performance. On the other hand, for those who appreciate a deeper keypress and a more substantial feel, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Kailh Sage may be more suitable.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience. If you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Silent Bluish White offers a shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes. However, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying keypress, the Kailh Sage, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be the better option. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of travel distance, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. It provides a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offers a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. It delivers a precise and comfortable typing experience without being loud, thanks to its design specifically aimed at reducing noise.

In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage switch produces a crunchy sound, commonly associated with clicky switches. It is similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch produces a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. Its design minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. The stepped characteristic adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all available information, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kailh Sage provides a distinct clicky sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feel, while the TTC Silent Bluish White produces a muted sound and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished tactile feel. Both switches are known for their specific characteristics and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference. It is important to consider factors such as noise sensitivity, typing preferences, and the environment in which the keyboard will be used when making a decision.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct clicky typing experience and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a refreshing sharp clickiness and a weight that provides a satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the Sage switches have a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. As for the feel, the Sage switches are described as invigorating and sharp, offering pronounced feedback and a reactive feel with each keypress.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more tactile feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a precise and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. They are described as having a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White switches offer a range of characteristics, including a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. These qualities contribute to a smooth and uniform typing sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch depends on your preferences for clickiness, weight, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prioritize a distinct clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, or a lighter bottom out force with a more tactile feel. Additionally, take into account the desired sound profile, whether you prefer a crunchy click or a muted sound. Finally, think about the typing experience you want, whether it be invigorating and sharp or buttery and mild. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for you.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more