TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Silent Bluish White switch offers a medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance for a precise and comfortable typing experience. Not only are these switches tactile, but they are also designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke, striking a balance with their standard spring weight to be enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. While these general pointers highlight some key features of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
The TTC Silent Bluish White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize similar materials for their top housing, both opting for polycarbonate. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, it creates a clear and resonant sound, which is especially advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective light dispersion, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches.
However, when it comes to their bottom housing, the Silent Bluish White features nylon, while the Tourmaline Blue continues with polycarbonate. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a relatively softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile.
Considering the split between the top and bottom housing attributes, the Silent Bluish White will primarily showcase the qualities of its nylon bottom housing when pressed down. This will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing, particularly the polycarbonate utilized in both switches, will have a more significant impact on the sound when the key is released.
In summary, the TTC Silent Bluish White and Everglide Tourmaline Blue exhibit similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, their choice of bottom housing materials differs, with the Silent Bluish White utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue maintains the polycarbonate for a clear and resonant sound. Ultimately, the differing materials in the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White would be the better choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for smoother and more effortless keystrokes. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who spend hours typing or gaming, as it reduces fatigue and strain on the fingers.
On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial and sturdy typing feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can be appealing to users who prefer a stronger push and a more tactile typing experience. The increased force required to trigger a keystroke can help enhance accuracy and prevent accidental key presses.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style. If a lighter and more responsive feel is desired, the Silent Bluish White is the way to go. However, if a heavier and more substantial typing experience is preferred, the Tourmaline Blue is the better option. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Tourmaline Blue falls within the more common range, while the Silent Bluish White offers a slightly shallower experience. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize fast response times. For those seeking a more responsive feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White would be a suitable choice with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy more depth when pressing down on a key might gravitate towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and priorities.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is known for its muted sound profile. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it falls in the middle range in terms of sound. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, but if you prefer a quieter keyboard, the Silent Bluish White would be the better option for you.
When it comes to feel, both the Silent Bluish White and the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They are both described as having a buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Silent Bluish White is also described as having a stepped feel, which means you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, if you're looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience, both switches will deliver similar results.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the TTC Silent Bluish White and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different qualities in sound and feel. The Silent Bluish White switch is designed to be quiet, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. It provides a medium tactile feel with a subtle and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a thocky sound profile and an easy-to-press feel with a bouncy sensation. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially in office or shared living spaces, the Silent Bluish White switch would be an excellent choice. With a medium tactile feel and a muted sound profile, these switches offer a precise and comfortable typing experience without being disruptive to those around you.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile and prioritize a bouncy and enjoyable typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a great option for you. With its standard spring weight, these switches strike a balance that makes them accessible to a wide range of users. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers an easy-to-press feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions and enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience (described as "buttery") and fall within the mild range in terms of typing feel. However, the Silent Bluish White switch has a more stepped and subtle tactile feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a slightly lighter actuation force for effortless and low-impact typing.
To summarize, if you prioritize a quiet and precise typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. If you prefer a more immersive and enjoyable typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be your best bet. Consider your typing environment and personal preferences when making your decision, and above all, happy typing!
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