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TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. TTC Silent Red

An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the TTC Silent Red. Both switches offer a quiet typing experience, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. The Silent Bluish White provides a medium tactile feel, offering just the right amount of resistance for precise and comfortable typing. Despite their tactile nature, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, these linear switches deliver a consistent and comfortable feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing 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

1.90 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

3.70 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 used in the TTC Silent Bluish White and TTC Silent Red switches share some 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 stiff plastic that promotes clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting.

However, the key difference lies in the nylon bottom housing used in each switch. The Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing also produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the use of nylon in this case contributes to absorbing more sound rather than enhancing the crispness of the sound.

It is important to note that when using switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these different characteristics, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and TTC Silent Red switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. This means that it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke on the Bluish White switch. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Bluish White is 50 grams, whereas the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Silent Red switch requires more force to fully press a key all the way down.

Considering weight and force preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience would likely opt for the Silent Bluish White switch. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a smoother and easier keystroke, making it ideal for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Silent Red switch. With its slightly heavier actuation and significantly heavier bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, adding a sense of solidity to the typing experience.

It is important to note that despite these differences, both switches fall within the range of comfortable forces for many users. Therefore, regardless of the specific choice, individuals can expect similar results in terms of functionality and overall performance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a slight difference in length. The Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Silent Bluish White with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and crave a deeper keystroke experience. In this case, the Silent Red, with its slightly longer 3.7 mm travel distance, would provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.

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 TTC Silent Bluish White and the TTC Silent Red 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 keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They are both described as buttery, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The switches have a mild characteristic, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Silent Bluish White also has a stepped characteristic, meaning that it has a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, while the Silent Red offers a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel.

Based on the available information, both switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them suitable for office or shared living space use. They offer a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, giving a precise and comfortable typing experience. The Silent Bluish White and Silent Red switches share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent typing feel. Overall, no matter which switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with minimal noise.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a medium tactile feel with a precise and comfortable typing experience, along with a switch that is designed to be as quiet as possible, then the Silent Bluish White is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, along with a switch that offers a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort, then the Silent Red is the perfect option. Both switches deliver a muted sound profile and provide a buttery and mild typing feel. Additionally, if you prefer a subtle and stepped switch with a polished finish, the Silent Bluish White offers these qualities, while the Silent Red offers a polished switch. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either switch as they both provide a satisfying typing experience while being suitable for office or shared living space use. Consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel when making your decision.

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