New methods of producing narrower particle size distribution precipitated silica and/or silicate materials are provided. Such a method permits a significant reduction in manufacturing costs through the utilization of more efficient drying/evaporation components, in essence, in one potentially preferred embodiment, production of such silica and/or silicate materials followed directly by a hydraulic chamber press filtering step combined with vacuum dewatering subsequently leading to the needed resultant particle comminution. The resultant precipitated silicas and/or silicates produced thereby exhibit greater density prior to comminution and thus greater propensity for more uniform milling than previously utilized and prevalent spray/flash drying apparatuses. Also encompassed within this invention are the resultant precipitated silica and/or silicate particles produced, including those that surprisingly exhibit extremely high transmittance properties, thereby potentially providing excellent narrow particle distribution silica materials for clear (transparent) end-uses.