TTC Ice vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their crystal-clear transparent design and smooth, responsive feel, providing users with a premium typing experience that strikes a balance between everyday usability and high-performance gaming. Their satisfying bottom-out sound further enhances this experience, making them an appealing choice for users who appreciate acoustics in their setup. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer their own unique charm with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that many enthusiasts find exhilarating. Produced by Haimu, these switches deliver a silky, seamless typing experience complemented by a special light diffuser designed to enhance RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard arrangement. Both switches cater to different preferences—where the Ice excels in smoothness and versatility, the Lightning Silver V3 shines in delivering an engaging auditory experience alongside stunning visual effects. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 share a significant similarity in their construction, both utilizing polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is instrumental in shaping the auditory and tactile experience of each switch. The polycarbonate housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff characteristics. Therefore, while both switches may appear distinct in terms of branding and design, the use of polycarbonate ensures that users can expect a similar acoustic performance regardless of which switch they choose.
In terms of aesthetics, both the TTC Ice and the Lightning Silver V3 benefit from polycarbonate’s translucent properties, making them particularly effective for RGB lighting applications. This translucency allows for vibrant illumination to shine through, enhancing the overall visual experience for users who enjoy custom lighting setups. Since both switches employ polycarbonate materials, they will provide a comparable aesthetic appeal when placed in illuminated keyboards, ensuring that both brands can deliver an attractive setup.
Although the acoustic properties remain similar due to the uniform material, the characteristics of each housing can influence the sound profile in nuanced ways. The top housing primarily dictates the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and overall feel when pressed down. Therefore, while the core materials of the TTC Ice and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 result in shared qualities, the interplay between the top and bottom housings might yield subtle differences that hinges on their specific designs and internal mechanics. Ultimately, users can appreciate a similar auditory experience, but they may notice slight variations depending on the unique configuration of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are identical. The TTC Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Lightning Silver V3, which requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter switch may find the Ice more comfortable for prolonged use, allowing for less finger fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, so once they are fully pressed down, they will feel the same regardless of the actuation force. Therefore, while both switches offer a medium bottom out experience, the Ice provides a lighter touch for actuation, appealing to those who favor a less forceful keystroke, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 offers a firmer push, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses—an essential factor for gamers seeking rapid response times. Conversely, the Ice switch offers a deeper press with its longer travel distance, which some users might find more satisfying and substantial under their fingers. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter, more abrupt feeling when typing or gaming, the Lightning Silver V3 would suit your needs better, but if you appreciate a fuller depth, the TTC Ice could be your go-to choice.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that tends to lean towards a more subdued, muted tone. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing sharp and crisp auditory feedback at each keystroke. The clacking sound is bright and percussive, providing a more pronounced auditory experience that some users may find exhilarating. However, it’s worth considering that sound production can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive characteristics, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience suitable for a variety of tasks, from gaming to everyday writing. This smoothness presumably enhances its appeal to both casual and serious users alike. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky feel, characterized by an exceptionally seamless typing experience. This minimizes any resistance when pressing or releasing keys, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate a buttery, effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, while both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The TTC Ice excels in providing a more subdued auditory experience and a smooth response, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a balanced typing experience. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its vibrant sound and silky feel, appealing to those who enjoy a livelier keyboard experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a smooth tactile experience in your typing activities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you are looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience with an appealing bottom-out sound that suits both gaming and everyday tasks, you may find the TTC Ice to be the perfect fit. Its balanced design is great for those who enjoy a typing experience that is seamless without any additional auditory distractions. On the other hand, if you seek a more lively and vibrant experience characterized by a clacky, high-pitched sound that complements dynamic RGB setups, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be your best choice. Its silky feel enhances your typing smoothness, while the unique light diffuser adds flair to your keyboard aesthetic. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your gameplay style or typing habits, as well as the ambiance you desire from your keyboard, to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.
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