TTC Gold Silver vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the nuances of different options to match their typing style and preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is revered for its rapid responsiveness and a smooth keystroke journey, delivering a decisive and satisfying bottom-out with each press. Its polished, thocky sound signature contributes to a feeling of precision that many gamers and typists crave, while its subtle low-pitched tones enhance the overall experience. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch presents a visually stunning crystal-clear design, emphasizing a premium aesthetic alongside its smooth and responsive feel. While the Ice equally offers satisfying feedback suitable for both gaming and everyday use, its appeal lies in its sleek appearance and balanced performance, creating a versatile option for users. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Ice comes down to personal preference regarding feedback, sound, and design aesthetics; 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and TTC Ice switches provide distinct auditory experiences largely due to their contrasting compositions. Both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which yields a bright and clear sound profile. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, enhances the sharper and higher-pitched tones in both switches. This similarity ensures that, regardless of the differences in bottom housing, users will experience a consistently crisp sound when the keys are released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting implementation, making both models aesthetically pleasing when illuminated.
In contrast, these two switches diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gold Silver employs nylon, a classic switch material that offers a softer, deeper sound profile. This softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller, more rounded auditory experience when pressing down on the keys. In comparison, the Ice model features polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, mirroring the characteristics found in its top housing. This results in a sound profile that is more consistently crisp and resonant throughout the entire switch, affecting both the key press and release sounds.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials in each switch leads to varied sound experiences for the user. With the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing, the emphasis is on a richer sound during key presses, creating a hybrid auditory profile that combines clarity from the polycarbonate top with depth from nylon below. Meanwhile, the Ice's dual polycarbonate construction maintains a uniform sound signature—sharp and clear on both the press and release. Thus, while both switches feature polycarbonate tops that enable bright sound and lighting effects, their different bottom materials create notably divergent auditory experiences overall.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver and TTC Ice linear switches exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating they require the same amount of force to register a keypress, which can contribute to a similar typing experience for users. However, the bottom out force varies significantly between the two: while the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unspecified, the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, suggesting a firmer feel at the end of its travel. This distinction implies that the Gold Silver may offer a potentially lighter typing experience, as its bottom out force is unknown; users might find it more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the Ice, with its higher bottom out force, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer tactile feedback and a heavier keypress. Thus, for users seeking a lighter touch, the Gold Silver may be preferable, while the Ice would cater to those desiring a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Ice linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gold Silver the shorter option compared to the Ice, with a difference of 0.1 mm between them. If you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Gold Silver might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and a less abrupt response, the Ice switch may be more suitable for your typing or gaming needs. Despite the minimal difference, each switch offers a distinct experience that can cater to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch produces a resonant and rich auditory profile, often characterized as thocky and low-pitched, which gives it a satisfying depth that's pleasing to the ear. This sound, akin to a soft thud or knock, adds an enjoyable tactile dimension to each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate a more bass-heavy experience. In comparison, specific sound characteristics of the TTC Ice switch remain unknown; however, it is known to provide a satisfying bottom-out sound. The overall sound experience of both switches will also be influenced by additional factors like the keyboard type and keycap selection, which can further enhance or modify the perceived audio feedback.
Focusing on the feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels with its polished, silky surface that promotes an incredibly smooth typing journey. This meticulous attention to detail results in reduced friction during key travel and a seamless experience with mild resistance, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. Its subtle feedback balances responsiveness with comfort, ensuring that every keystroke feels controlled yet effortless. The TTC Ice switch, while praised for its smoothness and responsiveness, does not have detailed descriptors provided for its typing feel, making it harder to contrast directly against the Gold Silver's refined texture.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and TTC Ice linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver distinguishes itself with a rich, thocky sound and a polished, smooth feel, making it ideal for those seeking a sophisticated typing experience. Meanwhile, the Ice switch promises an equally premium experience—although its exact sound and feel cannot be fully assessed without additional information. Overall, those choosing between these switches will find that while the Gold Silver provides a more defined auditory and tactile experience, both switches have potential to deliver satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Ice linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a smooth feel, the Gold Silver is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy typing or gaming where speed is essential. Its low-pitched, thocky sound also provides auditory satisfaction that many typists crave, giving you a richly immersive experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium force that provides a more firm bottom-out feel, and you appreciate the aesthetics of a transparent switch, the Ice might be the better option for you. Its balanced responsiveness and satisfying bottom-out sound make it versatile enough for both gaming and everyday typing tasks, while also providing a clear and crisp visual signature. In essence, if you're after precision and quick reflexes, go for the Gold Silver; but if you're looking for a solid typing experience with a touch of style, the Ice will meet your expectations.
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