Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence both typing comfort and overall user experience. The Gateron Glory Red switch stands out as a popular linear option, lauded for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation, providing an enjoyable typing experience with just the right amount of travel distance. In contrast, the TTC Ice switches, known for their striking crystal-clear design, offer a unique twist with their responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an appealing choice for users who seek both aesthetics and auditory feedback. While the Glory Red excels in delivering a silky typing experience, the Ice switches bring a clacky and feathery sensation that can enhance both gaming and daily tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Ice switches, a fundamental distinction arises between their housing materials: The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Ice features polycarbonate in both parts of its construction. The use of nylon for the Glory Red is particularly beneficial for creating a deep and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the TTC Ice, with its polycarbonate housing, delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to increased resonance, creating a brighter auditory landscape preferred by many users, especially those who favor RGB lighting for their keyboards.
Further, the differences in material properties between nylon and polycarbonate extend beyond mere sound profiles to include the overall tactile experience of the switches. While the nylon construction of the Glory Red contributes to a smooth and muffled keystroke feel, enhancing comfort over prolonged typing sessions, the polycarbonate of the Ice delivers a more pronounced actuation sensation due to its rigidity. This difference not only affects the sound profile when keys are pressed and released but also influences the way a typist interacts with each switch. Users seeking a softer pressing experience might gravitate towards the Glory Red, while those looking for precise feedback and a bit more auditory clarity may prefer the Ice.
Despite these differences, it is possible to achieve somewhat similar results in terms of sound profiles and typing experiences by modifying elements like keycap choice and using sound-dampening materials. For instance, combining the Gateron Glory Red with thicker keycaps or additional dampening can elevate its auditory output and tactile feedback, closing some of the gap created by the hard plastic of the Ice. Similarly, using a different keycap material or tested sound dampeners on the TTC Ice could soften the sound, bringing it closer to the fuller profile of the Glory Red. Thus, even though the switches are made from distinctly different materials, careful customization can allow users to find a sonic and tactile balance that meets their personal preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red and TTC Ice linear switches exhibit interesting similarities and differences when comparing their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively light and suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users won't experience as much fatigue. However, the TTC Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which indicates that it requires a heavier push to fully press down compared to the Gateron Glory Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. This means that while both switches provide a similarly light feel at the actuation point, the TTC Ice offers a firmer and more substantial typing experience upon bottoming out. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter touch for long hours may lean towards the Glory Red, while those who appreciate a more pronounced, heavier feedback might favor the TTC Ice.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning you can expect a uniform tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of keyboards equipped with either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will achieve comparable results in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a linear feel without tactile feedback. Since both switches travel the same distance, there is no shorter or longer option between the two; instead, they deliver a consistent performance characteristic that may appeal to many users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The Gateron Glory Red switches are appreciated for their smooth keystroke, which contributes to a typing experience that many users find enjoyable. However, the sound profile of the Glory Red is currently unspecified. In contrast, the TTC Ice switches stand out due to their clacky character, which produces a bright, crisp sound that many typists and gamers find satisfying. This percussive quality can enhance the experience, making each keystroke feel more engaging. It's essential to note that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are recognized for their pleasing travel distance, providing a smooth action that makes typing comfortable. The TTC Ice switches, on the other hand, are characterized as feathery, requiring very little exertion to press. This light actuation force can significantly reduce finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, making the TTC Ice switches particularly appealing for users who prioritize comfort in extended use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Ice switches cater to different preferences, with the former focusing on a smooth keystroke experience and the latter offering a satisfying sound and exceptionally light feel. Users seeking a similar experience across both switch types will likely find enjoyment in the smoothness of the Glory Red and the engaging sound of the Ice, but their choice will ultimately depend on what aspects they prioritize most—sound or feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Ice linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're seeking a switch that offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience paired with a lighter actuation and minimal finger fatigue, the Gateron Glory Red may be your best bet. It's particularly suited for users who engage in long typing sessions and prefer a switch that feels effortless to press. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more feedback in your keystrokes and enjoy a satisfying sound profile with a touch of clackiness, the TTC Ice linear switch could serve you better. Its medium bottom-out force provides a balanced resistance that's suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, while the feathery feel minimizes strain over extended use. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother experience or a more engaging sound and feel while typing.
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