TTC Ice vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and the Gateron Ink Box Black both stand out as popular options for those who prefer linear switches. The TTC Ice is renowned for its stunning crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive feel complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday typing. Described as "clacky" and "feathery," these switches offer a unique tactile experience that can elevate your overall keyboard interaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy action, paired with a distinctive sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch is classified as "clacky," "high-pitched," "silky," and "polished," appealing to users who value a refined auditory experience alongside their typing tasks. While both switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate a premium typing experience, their distinct characteristics may suit different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and Gateron Ink Box Black switches, both utilize high-quality plastics known for their influence on sound profiles. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience. Polycarbonate is characterized by its stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant audio output that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke. The translucency of this material also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, maximizing visual appeal. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. Although the exact composition of the INK blend differs from polycarbonate, it still achieves a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, often described as satisfying and clacky.

Despite their differing materials, the overall acoustic characteristics of the TTC Ice and Gateron Ink Box Black switches share similarities. Both switches are designed to produce sounds that resonate in a higher frequency range, albeit with varying degrees of sharpness. The TTC Ice’s pure polycarbonate can create a more pronounced clarity in sound, while the Ink Box Black’s INK blend offers a slightly less intense, yet still notable, high-pitched auditory experience. In practical terms, users can expect satisfying auditory feedback from both types of switches, each providing a unique auditory engagement while typifying a clacky sound profile. This similarity might appeal to users who enjoy a distinctly high-pitched feedback while typing.

Moreover, the implication of housing materials extends beyond sound to the tactile experience. Each switch's bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out feel, where the properties of the housing material influence how a key behaves upon being fully pressed down. For the TTC Ice, the polycarbonate bottom contributes to a firmer yet crisp feel, whereas the INK blend used in the Gateron Ink Box Black may impart a slightly different texture without sacrificing responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a tactile and auditory delight, demonstrating that even with different materials, the end result can yield similar tactile feedback and sound quality with their own characteristics, thus providing a desirable experience for typists and gamers alike.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, notable differences emerge regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. Therefore, users looking for a lighter typing experience that facilitates extended use, such as for work or long gaming sessions, may prefer the TTC Ice. Conversely, those who favor a stronger resistance for a more substantial feel while typing might opt for the Gateron Ink Box Black. Thus, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference for typing experience: lighter versus heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect the same keypress depth when engaging either switch. This similarity ensures that typing feel and responsiveness will be consistent across both options, providing a uniform experience in terms of key travel. As both switches have the same travel distance, they both contribute equally to the overall tactile experience, making either one a solid choice for those seeking linear switches with standard keypress depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the TTC Ice and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches fall on the clackier side of the spectrum, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The Ice switch is characterized by a crisp, bright sound that can be described as percussive, making it ideal for users who appreciate an audible response from their keystrokes. Similarly, the Ink Box Black also exhibits a clacky sound signature that is both bright and percussive, but it additionally features a high-pitched tone reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. When choosing between these switches, it is essential to consider that the overall sound produced can vary based on the keyboard plate and keycaps chosen, but users can generally expect a vibrant auditory feedback from both options.

When it comes to feel, the Ice switch is noted for its feathery touch, requiring minimal exertion during operation which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This makes the Ice a great choice for users who engage in extended gaming or typing tasks. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a tactile experience described as silky and polished; it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes any resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness enhances key travel and contributes to a refined feel. While both switches provide comfort and ease of use, the Ice leans towards a lighter touch while the Ink Box Black emphasizes a more luxurious glide.

In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Gateron Ink Box Black switches present compelling features that cater to different preferences. The Ice offers a crisp, bright sound alongside a lightweight feel, making it an attractive choice for those valuing comfort during prolonged sessions. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black strikes a balance with a similarly vibrant sound but adds a silky smoothness to the typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize a polished and refined keystroke. Whether one chooses the Ice or the Ink Box Black, both options promise an enjoyable experience tailored to distinct typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and the kind of tasks you'll be using your keyboard for. If you favor a lighter touch and seek a smooth, responsive feel for both gaming and everyday typing without much finger fatigue, then the TTC Ice switch, with its 60-gram bottom-out force and feathery feel, may be the ideal choice for you. Its clacky sound profile can provide a satisfying auditory feedback, making it perfect for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a slightly higher actuation force of 70 grams, and if you enjoy an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience reminiscent of a silky touch, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch could be your best match. Its unique sound profile, with clacky high-pitched characteristics, adds an appealing nuance to each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize smoothness versus lightness, as well as your sound preferences during your keyboard sessions.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more