TTC Ice vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Keygeek Keylin present compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its crystal-clear design and buttery smooth keypresses, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday typing due to its satisfying bottom-out sound and premium feel. In contrast, the Keylin switch, crafted with new molds from Keygeek, is praised for its rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, delivering a luxurious typing experience that many users admire. While the Ice switch shines with its aesthetic appeal and responsiveness, the Keylin switch emphasizes sound and build quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Keygeek Keylin switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, significantly affecting their sound profiles and tactile responses. The Ice switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sound that is characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear resonance. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for vibrant color displays. In contrast, the Keylin switches feature nylon as the primary material for both top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder acoustic experience compared to the Ice switches.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound experience, the distinction between polycarbonate and nylon becomes evidently significant. The Ice’s construction ensures that both the bottom-out sound and the release sound contribute to its sharper profile, a characteristic sought after by enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the Keylin’s nylon housing dampens sound, creating a more muted typing experience that some may find preferable for a less intrusive acoustic environment. The quality of the bottom housing is particularly influential in determining the feel and sound when a key is pressed down, highlighting the importance of each material's properties in shaping user experience.
Both switches provide defined characteristics shaped by their materials, yet they cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the TTC Ice offers a bright and engaging auditory response, ideal for those who appreciate clarity and sharpness in their typing sounds, the Keylin is suited for users who favor a more subdued and mellow typing experience. These differences underscore the significance of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches, demonstrating how they can cater to a range of tastes while delivering unique acoustic footprints. If one desires specific qualities from each type, combining housing elements from both could yield an optimal balance, offering the crispness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, a few notable differences emerge in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is moderately heavier compared to the Keylin’s lighter actuation force of 38 grams. This means that the Keylin switch requires less effort to trigger a keystroke, potentially making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ice is 60 grams, significantly heavier than the Keylin’s 48 grams. This difference indicates that the Ice switch provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which some typists may prefer for greater tactile feedback, while others may find the Keylin's lighter bottom out force more comfortable for fast keystrokes. In summary, the TTC Ice is the heavier option with stronger actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the Keylin provides a lighter touch that may be more appealing for those prioritizing comfort during long use.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This similarity in travel distance means that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch, resulting in comparable typing and gaming experiences. Since both switches have identical travel distances, it suggests that they should provide similar feedback and actuation characteristics under typical use. This uniformity can appeal to users looking for consistency in their keyboard performance across different switch options.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Ice linear switch is renowned for its satisfying bottom-out noise, which contributes to a pleasant auditory experience during typing and gaming. This element of sound is well-balanced, offering a premium feel without being overly clicky or distracting. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin switch emphasizes rich acoustics, suggesting a more resonant sound profile that may provide a deeper auditory experience while retaining smoothness. Both switches can articulate a pleasing sound, but the Ice may lean more toward clarity at the bottom-out, while the Keylin aims to create richness in its overall acoustics.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by its smooth and responsive operation, making it ideal for both fast-paced gaming scenarios and more deliberate typing tasks. This smoothness enhances the typing experience, allowing for quick actuations without any noticeable resistance. Conversely, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is also designed for exceptional smoothness, reportedly delivering a similarly premium tactile sensation. Although both switches embody the essence of linearity, the Ice may bring an extra layer of responsiveness, while the Keylin's new mold design promises consistent smoothness across the board.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Keygeek Keylin linear switches offer unique yet premium typing experiences marked by their sound and feel qualities. The Ice features a clear and satisfying bottom-out sound with a responsive feel, while the Keylin boasts rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. While there may be subtle differences in their auditory characteristics and tactile sensations, users seeking a smooth and rewarding typing experience will likely appreciate either option. Ultimately, your choice can depend on personal preference, emphasizing either the clarity and responsiveness of the Ice or the rich, smooth acoustics of the Keylin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, your choice should ultimately depend on your preferences for actuation force, typing experience, and aesthetic desire. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a satisfying, smooth typing experience with a pleasing bottom-out sound that caters well to both gaming and daily typing tasks, the TTC Ice switch is your best bet. Its striking crystal-clear design also adds a visually appealing element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch, the Keygeek Keylin switch, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, might be more suitable for you. This choice grants you a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific typing habits and aesthetic preferences, allowing you to create a keyboard that not only performs well but also feels right for you.
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