KTT Semi Mute vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, it's essential to consider factors such as noise level, typing experience, and tactile feedback. Two popular options worth exploring are the KTT Semi Mute, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Bluish White, a tactile switch. The Semi Mute switch is renowned for its completely silent operation, making it ideal for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, this switch offers a comfortable and satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a satisfying level of resistance, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience. Despite their medium tactility, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Both switches fall under the 'buttery' and 'mild' categories, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the TTC Silent Bluish White are quite similar. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when it comes to the top housing of both switches.
Where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Silent Bluish White incorporates nylon. This variation in housing material translates to a difference in the typing sound produced by each switch. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, similar to what is achieved with the top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Bluish White elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This can be attributed to nylon's ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When using either switch, it is important to consider the impact of each housing material. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing will influence the tactile response and overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound when a key is released. By understanding the qualities each housing material brings, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences regarding sound and feel when using the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are several noteworthy differences. The Semi Mute switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Silent Bluish White switch which requires only 42 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Semi Mute switch has a higher force requirement of 58 grams, while the Silent Bluish White switch only requires 50 grams for full depression.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch would be the suitable choice as it offers a lower actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Semi Mute switch. This lighter force requirement can allow for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing feel may opt for the Semi Mute switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
It is worth noting that while the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, both provide a medium level of resistance. The variances between the two forces are relatively minor, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. It ultimately boils down to personal preference and the desired tactile feedback one seeks in a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Semi Mute with its 4.0mm travel distance falls into the more traditional category, offering a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White with its 3.5 mm travel distance is considered shallower, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. It is important to note that both options can provide satisfactory results depending on personal preferences. Those who prioritize a more responsive feel may appreciate the shorter travel distance, while individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke may opt for the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will be influenced by one's personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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, both the KTT Semi Mute and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are described as "muted", meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes them both suitable for those who value a noise-free environment, such as during late-night typing sessions or in office or shared living spaces. 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 chosen. With that said, you can expect similar results in terms of sound from both switches.
In terms of feel, both the Semi Mute and the Silent Bluish White offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, often described as "buttery". This means that typing on either switch will provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. Additionally, both switches are categorized as "mild", implying a gentle typing experience. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the Silent Bluish White switch has the added characteristic of being "stepped", meaning it has a tactile feel with two stages of pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Semi Mute and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are designed to offer a noise-free and comfortable typing experience. They are both described as "muted" in terms of sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, they provide a "buttery" and "mild" feel, ensuring a smooth and gentle keystroke experience. While the Semi Mute is a linear switch and the Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch, their subjective qualities align closely. Therefore, whether you choose the KTT Semi Mute or the TTC Silent Bluish White, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them both excellent options for those seeking a quiet and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel with their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. Despite their completely silent operation, they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making them buttery and mild to type on. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium, the Semi Mute switch strikes a balance between resistance and ease of typing. Additionally, the Semi Mute switch has a neutral sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience and want a tactile switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch could be the better choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches feel lighter to type on compared to the Semi Mute switch. While they provide a medium tactile feel, they are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Like the Semi Mute switch, the Silent Bluish White switch also offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making them buttery to type on. Additionally, they have a mild typing feel, which is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, both the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have their own strengths. The Semi Mute switch excels in providing a noise-free environment and a comfortable typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White switch offers a lighter typing feel and quiet operation. Consider your preferences for noise level, typing feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches.
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