TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the TTC Silent Brown. Both switches offer a tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, while ensuring a comfortable typing experience. However, they have their distinct qualities that make them stand out. The Silent Bluish White switches are known for their medium tactile feel, offering a precise and comfortable typing experience. What sets them apart is their quiet nature, as they are designed to be as silent as possible. This makes them ideal for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches provide a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, resulting in a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a muted sound profile, which adds to their appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White and the TTC Silent Brown switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Similarly, both switches have a nylon bottom housing that enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite these similarities, there are some differences between the housing materials of the Silent Bluish White and Silent Brown switches. While both switches utilize the same materials for their top and bottom housing, the subtle variations in their colors may lead to slight differences in aesthetic appeal. The Silent Bluish White switch, as its name suggests, features a bluish white color scheme, while the Silent Brown switch incorporates a brown color. This distinction may be a determining factor for users who prioritize the visual aspect of their keyboard setup.
Furthermore, the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switches' sound profile differs slightly. When a key is pressed down, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of both switches, the distribution of these qualities may vary depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing being utilized.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White and the TTC Silent Brown switches provide similar benefits and sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. However, the subtle differences in color and the distribution of sound qualities between the top and bottom housing materials may influence users' preferences when selecting between the Silent Bluish White and Silent Brown switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Brown requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams to actuate. When it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Bluish White has a lighter force of 50 grams, while the Silent Brown has a medium-heavy force of 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. The lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and faster typing, making it ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent Brown switch. With its slightly higher actuation force and significantly heavier bottom out force, it provides a firmer and more tactile typing experience.
In summary, while the Silent Bluish White switch offers a lighter and more effortless keystroke feel, the Silent Brown switch provides a heavier and more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, the Silent Bluish White with its shorter travel distance would be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, the Silent Brown with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and Silent Brown switches are described as "muted." This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, you can expect similar results in terms of sound with both of these switches.
Moving on to feel, both the Silent Bluish White and Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience. The Silent Bluish White switch is described as "buttery," implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it is categorized as "mild," offering a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Silent Bluish White switch is also "stepped," which means it has two stages of tactile feedback, providing a more mild and subtle feel. Furthermore, it is described as having a "subtle" resistance, maintaining a light typing feel. Lastly, the Silent Bluish White switch is also "polished," resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Silent Brown switch also offers a "buttery" and "polished" typing experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, along with reduced friction and sleek key travel. The Silent Brown switch is also categorized as "mild," offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Overall, the feel of the Silent Brown switch is similar to the Silent Bluish White switch, providing a comfortable and satisfying typing sensation.
Based on the available information, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and Silent Brown switches offer a high-quality typing experience. The Silent Bluish White switch provides a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance, while the Silent Brown switch offers a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. Both switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them suitable for office or shared living space use. In terms of sound, both switches are described as "muted," meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, both switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a comfortable and gentle typing feel. Overall, if you choose either the TTC Silent Bluish White or Silent Brown switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a precise and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, to summarize, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and requirements.
If you prioritize a light typing experience with a precise and comfortable feel, along with a medium level of resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are an excellent choice. They offer a buttery and mild typing experience, with a stepped feel and a subtle sound profile. Additionally, these switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for use in an office or shared living space.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump, along with a comfortable typing experience and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switches are a great option. They provide a buttery and mild typing experience, with a polished finish for smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Silent Brown switches also offer a muted sound, allowing for a quieter typing experience.
Ultimately, you should consider your personal preferences for resistance, tactile feel, sound profile, and environment when making your decision. Whether you opt for the Silent Bluish White or Silent Brown, both switches offer excellent options for a satisfying and quiet typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
