TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience. Despite its medium tactility, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch that is perfect for those looking for a more delicate typing experience or those who need to type for long periods of time. With its material blend, the Yanyu produces a crisp sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for clear and resonant sound production. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a pleasant and bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Silent Bluish White utilizes a nylon material, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is relatively softer than harder plastics, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Yanyu utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This unique blend also contributes to a pleasant sound profile, though it leans towards the brighter side rather than sharpness.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom differ between the two switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. Pressing down on the switches will allow the qualities of the bottom housing to be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the release of a key will be influenced primarily by the top housing, affecting the sound produced when the key is let go.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Bluish White and the SP-Star Yanyu utilize different housing materials that contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant and bright sound profile, while its blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for the bottom housing offers a unique and enjoyable sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Silent Bluish White requires 42 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Yanyu's actuation force remains unknown. Both switches can potentially offer a lighter typing experience, which can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams of force, whereas the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams. Therefore, the Yanyu may provide a slightly lighter bottoming out experience compared to the Silent Bluish White. Ultimately, while weight and force may be important factors to consider, it is crucial to choose a switch that aligns with personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yanyu has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Yanyu aligns more closely with the standard 4.0 mm, while the Silent Bluish White falls a bit shorter at 3.5 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance offered by the Silent Bluish White. This shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes, ideal for gaming. However, some individuals may find the abruptness of the shorter travel distance to be less comfortable or satisfying. For those who appreciate a deeper feel and more pronounced key press, the Yanyu's longer travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and 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 $5.15.
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu 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. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The goal of these switches is to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them a great option for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level, suitable for most purposes. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch is a great choice, while the Yanyu switch offers a more distinctive and satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. The term "buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless sensation. These switches have a uniform and gentle typing feel, providing comfort and precision. The Silent Bluish White switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds to the mild and approachable nature of the switch. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch is subtle, offering gentle resistance without being too featherlight. This makes it suitable for a comfortable typing experience in shared spaces. Furthermore, the Silent Bluish White switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch also provides a mild typing experience, standing in the safe middle-ground zone. It is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similar to the Silent Bluish White switch, the Yanyu switch is also subtle and polished, offering a gentle resistance and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Silent Bluish White offering a more uniform and refined feel, while the Yanyu switch offers a feathery and light typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Bluish White switch is best known for its medium tactility and quietness, making it suitable for office or shared living space use. It provides a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience, with a crisp sound profile described as neutral and thocky. It provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. While the Silent Bluish White switch is more focused on a precise and comfortable typing experience with quieter sound, the Yanyu switch is designed for those looking for a more delicate and light typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, and choosing between them depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, if you prefer a similar level of quietness and a comfortable typing experience, either switch can deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a precise and comfortable typing experience, especially for office or shared living space use, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is a great choice. With its medium tactile feel and quiet sound profile, you can enjoy a satisfying level of resistance without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or frequently type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is an excellent option. Its light bottom out force and crisp sound profile make it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Regardless of your preference, both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Silent Bluish White and the SP-Star Yanyu comes down to your specific typing needs and preferences.
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