TTC Gold Red Pro vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Ice present two appealing options, each with its own unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is lauded for its versatility, boasting a seamless typing experience that caters to a range of users—from gamers seeking quick responsiveness to office workers who appreciate a quieter environment. Its neutral sound signature strikes a balance that makes it suitable for various settings, whether you’re typing away at a deadline or immersed in an intense gaming session. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch features a striking transparent design that not only looks impressive but also delivers a smooth, responsive feel complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize both aesthetics and performance. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct advantages—comfort and adaptability for the Gold Red Pro and visual appeal along with a premium feel for the Ice—understanding their nuanced features can help in choosing the perfect switch for your needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Ice switches both incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. Polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics allow for clear and resonant audio, which is particularly beneficial when the switches are equipped with RGB lighting, as the material’s translucency enhances the visual aesthetics of the illumination. Given that both switches utilize the same material for the top housing, users can expect consistency in sound clarity and brightness when utilizing the Gold Red Pro and the Ice. Thus, for those seeking a vibrant lighting experience coupled with a pronounced auditory feedback, both models deliver similarly satisfying results.
In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch reveals a significant divergence in material choice, with the Gold Red Pro featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Ice opts for polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, lends itself to creating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively. This can lead to a more muted auditory experience when bottoming out the key. Conversely, the Ice’s polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper sound characteristics, ensuring that every keystroke remains lively and pronounced. This critical difference means that while the top housing may provide clear highs, only the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom can evoke a more rounded, warmer sound on key activation.
The impact of these differing bottom housing materials emphasizes the nuanced intricacies of each switch's auditory experience. Given that the bottom housing plays a more prominent role in the bottom-out sound and feel, users who favor a richer typing experience might gravitate towards the Gold Red Pro. On the other hand, for typists who prefer a consistent, bright sound throughout their keystrokes, the TTC Ice could be the preferred choice. Although both switches have a shared foundation of polycarbonate in their top housing, the division in the bottom housing materials creates two distinct auditory profiles, giving users the opportunity to choose according to their specific tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is not specified. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Ice switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Additionally, the Ice switch features a bottom out force of 60 grams, which aligns with its medium force rating, suggesting a more pronounced tactile feedback when reaching the bottom. Given these differences, users seeking a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Gold Red Pro, whereas those who favor a firmer action might find the Ice switch more appealing. Overall, while the actuation forces are close, the Gold Red Pro offers a lighter feel, making it suitable for users prioritizing comfort over heavier feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Ice linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Ice switch may be the better choice, as it allows for faster keystrokes due to its shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the Gold Red Pro's travel distance of 3.8 mm more satisfying, as it provides a bit more depth and feedback when typing or gaming. In this comparison, the Gold Red Pro offers a longer travel distance, making it potentially preferable for those who favor a more substantial feel, whereas the Ice switch's shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Ice linear switches, the Gold Red Pro is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral auditory profile. This gives it a deep and rich sound upon actuation, creating an enjoyable typing experience that balances well in various environments, whether at home or in an office. The sound produced is neither intrusive nor overly quiet, making it versatile for different settings. As for the Ice switch, the sound characteristics are unknown, but given the known qualities of other typically premium switches, one might anticipate a smooth output, although it remains unconfirmed.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro excels with a polished and silky smoothness, promoting a refined typing experience through reduced friction and seamless key travel. This creates a mild yet satisfying resistance that remains approachable for all users, whether novice or advanced. Furthermore, it has a subtle nature, ensuring that typing is gentle enough to be used without distraction in shared spaces. The feel of the Ice switch remains unknown, but one could speculate that, as a competitor in the premium range, it might similarly aim for a smooth typing experience suitable for diverse use cases.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch provides a well-defined sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, the TTC Ice switch's characteristics remain unclear. However, if the Ice switch is engineered for premium use, it may offer comparable performance in sound and feel to the Gold Red Pro, especially considering that similar design goals often result in analogous outcomes. Ultimately, if you're seeking a linear switch that stands out in versatility and seamless user experience, the Gold Red Pro would fit the bill, while the Ice could also be a worthy contender despite the mystery surrounding its specifics.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Ice linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the specific typing or gaming experience you desire. If you're seeking a versatile switch that offers a smooth, polished feel with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. It is particularly suited for those who frequently switch between gaming, office work, and casual typing, as its mild resistance makes it comfortable for a range of activities. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more visually appealing option with a crystal-clear design and a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ice switch may be more to your liking. While the Ice offers a more pronounced resistance with its medium bottom-out force, it still delivers a smooth and responsive typing experience that is well-suited for both gaming and everyday tasks. So, consider where you'll be using your keyboard most often and how you prefer each keystroke to feel and sound—your choice between these two switches will ultimately enhance your overall typing experience.
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