TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, especially when considering the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches. The Silent Bluish White (V2) is renowned for its medium tactile feel that provides a satisfying level of resistance with each keystroke, ensuring a precise and comfortable typing experience. One of its standout features is its impressive noise dampening, making it an ideal option for those in office or shared living spaces where quiet operation is essential. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches deliver a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, boasting a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing sensation without being overly intrusive. While both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, the Silent Bluish White shines in environments where discretion is paramount, whereas the Weightlessness embraces a slightly more versatile approach. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch and the Gateron Weightlessness switch offer distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter employing nylon. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to the deeper, fuller sound produced by nylon. This difference in acoustic properties is significant; the polycarbonate top housing allows for more resonance and clarity, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, as its translucency heightens visual effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Weightlessness absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound signature that is rounder and more subdued. Both materials certainly have their own merits depending on the user’s preferred auditory experience.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a unique combination of sound characteristics to each switch. In the case of both the Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Weightlessness, the nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its acoustic dampening properties. Nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively means that when typing on either switch, a user will experience a sound that is consistently round and satisfying. This similarity in the bottom housing ensures that users will benefit from a comforting auditory experience while typing, regardless of the differences in the top housings.
The combined effects of each housing material lead to a variance in the overall typing experience. With the Silent Bluish White (V2), the sharp, resonant qualities of the polycarbonate top housing can elevate the acoustic feedback during key release, while the nylon bottom absorbs sound, thereby enhancing the tactile feel at the bottom out. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness relies entirely on nylon for its damping effect, creating a more uniform sound profile throughout the keypress cycle. Therefore, while users will enjoy differing acoustic performances in both switches, the foundational qualities of the nylon bottom housing ensure a consistent and full typing experience across the board.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, distinct differences are apparent in their actuation forces. The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. Since the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, it suggests a consistent experience up to that point. Overall, if you desire a lighter switch for comfort during long sessions, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is the better choice, while the Gateron Weightlessness is suited for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is evident that the two have only a slight difference. The Silent Bluish White (V2) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness comes in slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a hearty feeling with each key press, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness may benefit gamers or those seeking a quicker response due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness, with the Silent Bluish White (V2) providing a longer travel distance and the Gateron Weightlessness being the shorter option.
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 $5.35.
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 (V2) is characterized by a muted profile, producing a softer, quieter sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them exceptionally suitable for environments like offices or shared living spaces where noise levels need to be kept down. While the specifics of the sound for the Gateron Weightlessness switches are currently unknown, one can expect a balanced sound profile that likely aligns with their subtle to moderate tactile feel, suggesting an overall quiet operation as well.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a well-rounded typing experience described as buttery, mild, and polished. The smooth and fluid keystroke provides a seamless transition between key presses, while the stepped tactile response enables a clear distinction at the actuation point without overwhelming resistance. This gentle approach enhances the typing experience, making the switch accessible for users seeking comfort. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness switches remain unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how they compare directly in terms of tactile feedback.
In summary, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) excels in both sound and feel, providing a muted auditory experience paired with a well-balanced tactile sensation that ensures comfort during prolonged typing sessions. While the Gateron Weightlessness switches are anticipated to deliver a balanced sound profile and a subtle to moderate tactile feel, their exact qualities are not detailed. Thus, if you prioritize a quieter, comfortable typing experience, both switches can generally accommodate similar needs, with the Silent Bluish White (V2) being a more established choice in the tactile switch category.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch should be guided by your specific typing environment and preferences. If you find yourself working in a shared space or an office setting where minimizing noise is a priority, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the ideal selection. Its muted sound profile and medium tactile feedback provide a satisfying yet discreet typing experience, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable key press without disturbing those around you. The smooth, buttery feel of the Silent Bluish also ensures that your typing is both seamless and pleasant. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more subtle tactile sensation, perhaps for leisure typing or gaming where sound may not be as major a concern, then the Weightlessness switch could be more appealing. Its balanced sound profile and moderate tactile feedback allow for an enjoyable typing experience, albeit without sonic considerations being as pronounced. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your environment and the kind of tactile engagement you prefer, making it essential to consider both sound and feel in your choice.
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