TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the SP-Star Duck. The TTC Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a "medium tactile" feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance for precise and comfortable typing. What sets these switches apart is their quietness, as they are designed to minimize noise. This makes them ideal for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is also a tactile switch but offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. Typing on these switches feels gentle, accompanied by a clean and crispy sound profile. Now, while these generalities may give you a sense of what each switch offers, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best switch choice for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
A major difference between the housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White and the SP-Star Duck is found in their bottom housings. The Silent Bluish White utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the Duck employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is relatively stiffer compared to nylon. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, providing a sharper and higher-pitched sound when pressing down on a key. Therefore, while the Silent Bluish White emphasizes depth and fullness, the Duck emphasizes clarity and precision in its bottom-out sound.
However, when it comes to the top housing, both switches utilize polycarbonate, offering similar sonic characteristics. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, resulting in sharper and higher-pitched tones. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a suitable choice for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better dispersion of the light. Therefore, both the Silent Bluish White and the Duck, despite having different bottom housings, showcase similar sound qualities due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
It is important to note that the differences between the housing materials of the Silent Bluish White and the Duck primarily impact the sound experience during key press. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, providing either a duller and rounder sound (as with the Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing) or a sharper and higher-pitched sound (as with the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing). Conversely, the top housing, with its stiffness and material transparency, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Silent Bluish White and the Duck differ in terms of the sound experience during key press and release, primarily due to the contrasting qualities of their respective bottom and top housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White requires an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a light and effortless keystroke activation. In contrast, the actuation force of the Duck switch is currently unavailable, making it difficult to determine the direct comparison. However, the Silent Bluish White's bottom out force of 50 grams is lighter than the Duck's 58 grams, indicating that the latter offers a slightly heavier typing experience.
Considering the importance of weight in switch selection, individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing periods or lengthy gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Silent Bluish White. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and faster keystrokes without significant exertion. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Duck may provide the desired satisfaction. Its higher bottom out force creates a satisfying push feel, giving users the reassurance of bottoming out with each keystroke.
While the actuation force of the Duck remains unknown, it is likely that the Silent Bluish White will still deliver a lighter touch due to its disclosed specifications. However, if the Duck switch's actuation force turns out to be similar or even lighter than the Silent Bluish White, users can expect comparable results in terms of lightness and ease of typing. Ultimately, the choice between these tactile switches boils down to personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Duck falls closer to the average of 4.0 mm, which is commonly found in many switches. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more ideal for gamers who value quicker response times. The shorter travel distance allows for faster keystrokes, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes. In such cases, the Duck switch with its longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for responsiveness or a more immersive typing experience.
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 $5.15.
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White switch is best described as muted. These switches are designed to produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes them ideal for use in office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and SP-Star Duck switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced tactile characteristics. Both switches have a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, often referred to as being "buttery." They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and SP-Star Duck switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a comfortable and precise typing experience with a medium level of tactility. While the Silent Bluish White switch is designed to be as quiet as possible, making it perfect for office or shared living space use, the Duck switch has a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various settings. Both switches have a mild and approachable typing feel, with a buttery and polished texture. Whether you choose the Silent Bluish White or the Duck switch, you can expect satisfying results and a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium tactile feel and a satisfying level of resistance, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are a great choice. These switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their gentle tactility, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switches are designed to be quiet, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are the way to go. These switches provide a clean and crispy sound profile with a gentle tactility. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making typing effortless and uniform. Both switches have a similar mild feel and a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Bluish White and the SP-Star Duck switches depends on your preference for resistance, sound profile, and typing feel.
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