TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role. The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) stands out as a tactile switch, offering a pleasant medium tactile feel that provides satisfying resistance with each keystroke. This quality makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience without the noise, given its design aims to minimize sound—ideal for office environments or shared living spaces. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, boasts a smooth keystroke free from tactile bumps. Known for its subtle yet satisfying top-out and characteristic sound feedback, it is manufactured using high-quality materials and comes pre-lubed, enhancing the overall typing feel. While the Silent Bluish White caters to users seeking a quieter yet tactile experience, the Sunset Gleam appeals to those who prefer a fluid typing motion without disruption. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their overall sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and clarity, allowing for a sharper and crisper sound when switches are actuated. This attribute enhances the audible feedback and can lead to a more pleasant typing experience, especially when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. As both switches share this same polycarbonate top housing material, users can expect similar aesthetic benefits and sound qualities, ensuring that both options will deliver a resonant and articulate auditory experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing material differs for both switches, with the Silent Bluish White (V2) featuring nylon and the Sunset Gleam also incorporating nylon. This shared choice of nylon, a classic switch housing material, results in a distinctive typing sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller resonance. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb some sound during typing, which cultivates a more muted and rounded sound. Thus, while the top housing promotes sharper tones, the combined effect of the nylon bottom housing will significantly influence the overall sound experience when keys are bottomed out, leading to a balanced auditory profile across both switches.
Ultimately, the cohesion in material choices between the top and bottom housings of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Sunset Gleam promotes a well-rounded typing experience despite their individual nuances. Although the top housings share the same polycarbonate material leading to brighter acoustics, the nylon used in the bottom housings ensures that the sound is softened, producing a satisfying depth. Consequently, users can expect them both to deliver similar results in terms of a balanced auditory feedback loop, where the clear upper tones from the polycarbonate and the warmer lower tones from the nylon create a harmonized typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both switches demonstrate similar characteristics, making them suitable for users who prefer a light typing experience. The Silent Bluish White (V2) has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Gleam also features an actuation force of 42 grams but has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. Therefore, both switches have the same actuation force, but the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a slightly heavier bottom out experience. For users who favor a lighter feel, both switches are excellent choices for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, yet those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the extra push provided by the bottom out force of the Silent Bluish White (V2).
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making their keypress experience quite similar. With both switches requiring the same amount of travel from top to bottom, users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on a key. This uniformity suggests that both switches will deliver an equally responsive performance, highlighting their alignment in design and user 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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 (V2) switch offers a notably muted profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This makes them an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is important, such as offices or shared living spaces. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has not fully defined its audio characteristics, but it is known for delivering a satisfying clack, which suggests a more pronounced acoustical feedback compared to the Silent Bluish White. However, the overall sound experience for both switches will depend on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) stands out with its medium tactile feedback, allowing for a comfortable typing experience characterized as buttery and smooth. This tactile switch delivers a mild and subtle resistance that is approachable for most users, coupled with a polished finish for a refined keystroke. It features a stepped tactile design, meaning you can feel distinct stages during keypresses, which enhances typing accuracy. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is a linear switch, which typically means it lacks tactile feedback entirely. While it is designed for a smooth keystroke and has excellent factory lubrication, specific descriptors regarding its feel have not been provided, leaving some aspects open to interpretation.
In conclusion, both switches serve different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Silent Bluish White (V2) excels in low noise and a nuanced tactile experience, making it suitable for quiet environments and users who appreciate distinct feedback. The Sunset Gleam, while offering a satisfying clack sound and buttery feel, remains less defined in terms of its overall characteristics. While sound and feel will vary based on build and materials, users can expect the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) to cater to those seeking quiet and tactile performance, while the Sunset Gleam appeals to those who enjoy linear switches with smooth key travel and responsive feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use case. If you value a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience while minimizing sound, especially in quieter environments like offices or shared living spaces, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the ideal choice. Its medium tactility provides a satisfying and precise feel with a muted sound, ensuring that your typing doesn’t disturb those around you. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keypress with a subtle clack that adds a bit of character to your typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam might be the better option. The Sunset Gleam is perfect for those who appreciate a linear switch that offers a buttery feel combined with impressive factory lubrication for reduced friction. Ultimately, assess your environment, typing style, and tactile preference to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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