TTC Ice vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Kailh BCP stand out as two compelling choices, both classified as linear switches but offering distinct experiences. The TTC Ice switches are renowned for their striking transparent design and smooth, responsive feel, making them an excellent option for users who prioritize a premium typing experience for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, Kailh's BCP switches reimagine the beloved Black Cherry Pies with custom-molded designs that promise ease of use without disassembly. Their unique composition delivers a plush, bouncy feel coupled with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. While both switches have their merits—whether it's the Ice's elegant aesthetics or the BCP's playful acoustics—it's essential to consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice switch and the Kailh BCP switch represent two distinct approaches to housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffer composition. This high-pitched and crisp sound profile is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize clarity in their typing experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination that enhances the aesthetics of a keyboard. In stark contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. As a result, typists experience a deeper and fuller sound that is rounded and mellow, making it more suited for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback.
When evaluating the bottom housings of these switches, both the TTC Ice and Kailh BCP once again showcase their differing material properties. The Ice switch maintains its polycarbonate composition, which contributes to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound. The stiffness of the polycarbonate ensures that the impact when a key is pressed is sharp and defined, which complements its top housing's qualities. Conversely, the Kailh BCP employs a nylon bottom housing that echoes the characteristics of its top housing, resulting in a rounded bottom-out experience. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a duller yet fuller sound, emphasizing a cohesive auditory experience across the entire switch. Therefore, when users press down on the Kailh BCP, the bottom housing plays a significant role in absorbing sound and creating a softer landing.
Ultimately, both switches offer unique auditory experiences shaped by their housing materials. Users obtaining a TTC Ice switch can expect a bright and articulate sound profile resulting from the polycarbonate configuration. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP delivers a more muted and rounded sound, exemplifying how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials affects performance. While the switch types diverge significantly in their sound characteristics due to the inherent qualities of polycarbonate and nylon, achieving similar results in a balanced typing experience can be accomplished by combining different top and bottom housings. Should similar materials be used in both sections, the resulting sensation will reflect a harmonious blend of their inherent sound and feel, appealing to individual preferences in tactile feedback.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch both offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the BCP switch features a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as heavier. This weight distinction can significantly impact user experience; those who appreciate a lighter touch for prolonged typing or extensive gaming sessions might lean towards the TTC Ice. Conversely, users who favor a more substantial push feel will likely prefer the Kailh BCP. Overall, while both switches deliver a reliable performance, the Ice switch is the lighter choice, appealing to those seeking ease of use, whereas the BCP provides a firmer feedback for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, it's evident that the Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the BCP switch features a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ice switch the longer of the two, providing a greater depth when pressed down, which some users may prefer for a more cushioned feel. In contrast, the BCP switch offers a marginally shorter travel distance, appealing to those who favor quicker, more responsive key presses, such as gamers looking for faster reaction times. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Ice offering a deeper, more traditional experience and the BCP promoting a snappier, less abrupt feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience. This sound is often characterized as smooth and gratifying without being overly noisy, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and office environments. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP linear switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, which produces a more pronounced auditory feedback. This auditory contrast offers a lively experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more expressive aural element when typing. Both switches can produce varying sounds depending on keycap and board choices, but the inherent qualities of each switch contribute to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive action, providing a refined typing sensation that is pleasing to a wide range of users. This makes it versatile for various tasks, enabling comfortable typing during extended use. Conversely, the Kailh BCP switch presents a unique tactile experience characterized by a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation. This distinctive feel adds a dynamic quality, making typing an engaging activity that feels responsive and lively. Together, these switches showcase different aspects of linear switch feel, catering to users who prioritize either seamless performance or a more energetic typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Ice and Kailh BCP linear switches each offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Ice switch delivers smooth and satisfying sound with responsive feel, while the BCP stands out with its bright sound profile and bouncy, elastic typing experience. Users can expect varying results based on personal taste and typing habits, and both switches offer compelling features that appeal to both gamers and typists. Whether you appreciate the refined quality of the Ice or the playful bounce of the BCP, either choice can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth and responsive typing experience along with a pleasant bottom-out sound, the Ice's medium 60-gram actuation force is a great choice for both gaming and daily typing tasks. Its crystal-clear design adds an aesthetic appeal that can enhance your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a unique auditory experience, the Kailh BCP switch, with its medium-heavy 63.5-gram bottom-out force, is designed for you. The BCP's creamy and bouncy feel, coupled with its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, can be particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy pronounced feedback when they type. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a sleek and smooth experience (TTC Ice) or a more textured and lively typing sensation (Kailh BCP).
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