TTC Ice vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and the Gateron Ink Red present two enticing yet distinct options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their visually striking crystal-clear design, delivering a premium tactile experience with a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out noise—making them an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate both aesthetics and performance. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switches cater to those who prefer a lighter touch, featuring a lower actuation force and a silky smooth typing experience. Their unique sound profile—described as crispy and clacky—adds a delightful auditory element to every keystroke, appealing to users who prioritize ease of use and feedback during typing. While both switches excel in providing a superb linear typing experience, the differences in their tactile feedback and sound will influence your choice based on personal preference. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice switches and the Gateron Ink Red switches, both exhibit clear similarities in their sound profiles, yet they utilize different materials. The TTC Ice features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic properties. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red’s housings utilize a proprietary INK blend, which aims to deliver a pointed, higher-pitched sound, touted for being clacky yet not overly sharp. While both switches generate a pronounced sound profile, the Ice's polycarbonate is noted for its clarity and resonance, accentuated by its transparent nature, which is beneficial for RGB lighting.

Delving deeper into the bottom housings, the TTC Ice retains the same polycarbonate material, reinforcing the crisp sound characteristic of this switch. Simultaneously, the Gateron Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing contributes to a tactile experience that is also higher-pitched but with a distinct clackiness. The material differences suggest that while both switches aim to create an engaging auditory experience, the polycarbonate used in the Ice might provide a more uniform and clear sound due to its rigidity, while the Ink Red's blend delivers a distinctively satisfying and playful sound through a slightly different acoustic characteristic.

Ultimately, if a user were to favor the sound profiles of both the TTC Ice and Gateron Ink Red, they would find similar results due to the high-pitched qualities inherent in both switch designs. While the fundamental materials differ—polycarbonate for the Ice and the INK blend for the Ink Red—the resulting sound experience remains elevated. The Ice's clarity and resonance may be complemented by the Ink Red's playful clackiness, allowing users to enjoy a dynamic range while typing or gaming. Consequently, experimenting with either switch will yield a similar satisfaction in responsiveness and acoustic enjoyment, despite the distinct materials involved.

Weight

The TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch exhibit identical specifications in both actuation force and bottom out force, with each requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke and reaching a bottom out force of 60 grams. This similarity means that users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of actuation feel and resistance when pressing down fully. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, appealing to a diverse range of preferences. Users who favor a lighter touch will appreciate the consistent 45 grams required for actuation, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those who prefer a more substantial feel can enjoy the moderate pushback provided by the 60-gram bottom out force. Ultimately, since both switches share the same force specifications, they should deliver a similar performance and user experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is clear that the two differ in their specifications. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ice the shorter option, appealing to users who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Ink Red, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and depth during key presses. While both switches cater to different preferences, if one were to switch to a switch with a travel distance of around 4.0 mm, they might experience a similar feel to the Ink Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference: the TTC Ice for quicker responsiveness or the Gateron Ink Red for a fuller keypress experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice switches produce a satisfying bottom-out sound that is part of their appeal, offering a premium experience for both gaming and typing. While the specific sound profile is not detailed, it is characterized as smooth and pleasant. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switches exhibit a more varied acoustic profile, described as both "neutral" and "chirpy." This means they have a moderate sound level that suits a wide range of environments, paired with a slight squeak that adds a unique character to their auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches provide distinct sound elements, the Ice might be more subdued, while the Ink Red adds a more engaging quirk.

In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switches are highlighted for their smooth and responsive typing experience, though further specificity regarding their tactile feedback and nuances is not provided. The Ink Red switches undeniably stand out with descriptors such as "silky," "mild," and "polished," pointing to an exceptionally smooth and gentle typing experience. They provide a refined finish that minimizes resistance and friction, enhancing the overall comfort while typing. In comparison, while the Ice is known for its smoothness, the Ink Reds offer a more pronounced user-friendly experience with their silky and polished qualities.

In conclusion, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Ice provides a more premium but unspecified auditory experience and responsiveness, while the Ink Red balances a chirpy sound and exceptionally smooth feel that makes typing effortless. Ultimately, if you're looking for a unique auditory signature with a polished and silky feel, the Ink Reds are likely a better fit. However, either choice offers a satisfying typing experience, and your ultimate satisfaction will depend on your personal style and preference for switch characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a premium typing experience with a visually appealing transparent design and appreciate a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switches will likely be the right choice for you. They offer a smooth and responsive feel that suits both gaming and everyday tasks, making them versatile for various uses. On the other hand, if you tend to have a lighter typing style and are looking for a smoother and polished experience, the Gateron Ink Red switches might be more fitting. They provide a silky feel and a unique chirp to their sound profile, making them enjoyable for typing without much effort. Either choice offers a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, but your individual taste in sound and feel will ultimately guide you to the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more