TTC Bluish White vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can greatly influence your typing experience. The TTC Bluish White switch stands out for those who crave a satisfyingly tactile feedback, providing a poppy sensation with each keystroke and a distinct and snappy sound profile that makes typing a pleasurable activity. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a bit of auditory and tactile feedback while working. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, characterized by a crystal-clear transparent design that not only looks premium but also enhances the responsiveness of each press. With its satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ice switch caters to both gamers and everyday users seeking efficiency and fluidity in their key presses. While the Bluish White delivers a more dynamic and engaging typing rhythm ideal for writers and typists, the Ice switch allows for effortless keystrokes that make it a versatile choice for various tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
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
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and TTC Ice keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience when typing. As a translucent plastic, polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch. This shared material choice means that both switches will deliver a bright and sharp sound upon keypress, creating an engaging typing experience that appeals to many users, especially those who appreciate RGB aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.
However, the contrast between the two switches becomes evident in their bottom housing materials. The TTC Bluish White incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which shifts the sound dynamics towards a deeper and more rounded auditory experience. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and contributing to a fuller typing feel. This gives the Bluish White a unique characteristic in terms of bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. In comparison, the TTC Ice features polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, maintaining the crisper sound signature throughout. This results in a consistent auditory profile that emphasizes clarity, making each keystroke feel more pronounced but lacking the warmer and softer qualities that nylon would impart.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the TTC Bluish White offers a blend of sharpness and depth, allowing for a unique typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice, with its all-polycarbonate housing, delivers a uniform sharpness throughout the keystrokes. Users seeking a more balanced sound with a depth to their typing may prefer the Bluish White, while those who value a consistent and bright auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Ice. Each switch possesses its own identity due to their differing bottom housing materials, demonstrating how the choice of material significantly influences not only sound but also typing feel and overall aesthetic experience.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Ice switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This medium weight can provide users with a more substantial typing experience, which is often preferred by those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, for users looking for a lighter touch to facilitate longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Bluish White would be the better choice, while those who favor a heftier feel under their fingers may opt for the Ice switch due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, we find that the Bluish White measures 3.5 mm, while the Ice switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference, though minimal, indicates that the Ice switch may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who favor a hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can lead to faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more responsive experience, the Bluish White switch is the preferable option, while the Ice switch offers a small additional depth for a more substantial feel during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Bluish White tactile switch offers a distinct low-pitched auditory profile, which contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. This snappy sound is often appreciated by typists who enjoy a pronounced feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Ice linear switch is geared towards a smoother auditory output, ideal for users who prefer a subtler sound upon bottoming out. However, the specifics of the Ice switch's sound characteristics are not provided, leaving room for variability based on factors such as keyboard construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White is characterized by its buttery, polished experience, providing a seamless typing sensation that minimizes friction, allowing for a fluid keystroke. The mild and subtle tactile feedback of the Bluish White makes it approachable for most users who appreciate a more gentle yet still engaging typing experience. Its stepped nature means that users can sense a definitive point of resistance, giving a satisfying tactile response without overwhelming the fingers. Conversely, the feel of the Ice linear switch is not explicitly detailed, but the smooth and responsive nature suggests it would deliver a notably different experience, likely focusing on uninterrupted key travel without tactile feedback.
In summary, while both the TTC Bluish White and Ice switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they offer distinct experiences suited to various typing styles. The Bluish White excels in providing a rich tactile feel with pronounced auditory feedback, appealing particularly to those who enjoy a poppy typing experience. Meanwhile, the Ice switch potentially offers a smoother and quieter experience, ideal for gamers and everyday users seeking a refined and responsive touch. If you understand your preferences for sound and feel in a switch, you will be able to select the right option for your typing habits based on these characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, it's essential to consider both your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing, along with a light bottom-out force, the Bluish White switch would be an excellent choice. It offers a satisfying poppy feel, making it great for typists who appreciate a more interactive experience. Its low-pitched sound profile and buttery smooth keystrokes mean it can be a pleasure for both casual and more engaged typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier keystroke with a focus on smoothness and versatility, the TTC Ice linear switch would suit you well. With its medium bottom-out force, it provides a premium typing experience that excels in gaming and regular use. Its responsive feel coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound makes it a fantastic option for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their key actions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you seek tactile feedback or a smoother, linear experience, along with considering the spaces where you’ll be using your keyboard.
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