TTC Ice vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Lime (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference can significantly influence your decision, particularly between the TTC Ice and Outemu Lime switches. The TTC Ice, a linear switch, boasts a crystal-clear transparent design and offers a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a premium experience. Its seamless keypress action ensures rapid response times, ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions or extensive typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches feature light actuation, an approachable tactility, and a silenced operation, catering to those who appreciate a tactile feel without being overwhelmed by sound. With their feathery touch and mild resistance, Limes are a top pick for those wanting a comfortable typing experience with just a hint of tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Ice and Outemu Lime switches, the differences in housing materials significantly influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Ice switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucence. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for users who want their RGB lighting to shine through the key switches. This material’s resonant nature enhances the clarity of sound when the key is released. In contrast, the Lime switches feature a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic provides a more subdued audio experience, leading to a rounder tone that can be more pleasant for users who prefer a less aggressive auditory feedback.
Both switches employ different materials for their bottom housing as well, further enhancing their unique sound profiles. The Ice's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, aligning with its top housing to produce a consistent sound characterized by its crispness and clarity. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to its deeper sound, which complements the muted tones produced by the nylon top. When users bottom out the keys, the nylon material in the Lime absorbs much of the impact, leading to a softer feel compared to the Ice's snappier response. This dual-material use creates a pronounced contrast between the two switches, making them appealing to different preferences in typing feedback.
In summary, the interplay of materials in the TTC Ice and Outemu Lime switches yields distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While the Ice’s polycarbonate housings deliver a sharp and clear sound, the Lime’s nylon housings produce a more subdued and rounded tone. If both switches were to utilize the same materials, such as switching the nylon in the Lime for polycarbonate, one could anticipate more clarity and resonance similar to the Ice. Conversely, if the Ice were to incorporate nylon, its sound would likely produce a softer, fuller response akin to the Lime. Ultimately, the choice of housing material directly influences typing feel and sound, catering to different user preferences and enhancing the diversity of switch characteristics in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch that provides a sturdier typing experience. In contrast, the Lime switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The difference in weight means that users who favor a more tactile feedback might gravitate towards the Lime, while those who prefer a firmer push might enjoy the Ice more. Consequently, for users seeking a balance of lightness and responsiveness, the Lime would be the better option, whereas those who appreciate a heavier, more substantial feel might choose the Ice switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this comparison, the Lime switch is shorter, making it more suitable for those who prefer a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gaming purposes. Conversely, the Ice switch offers a longer travel distance, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke that provides a deeper tactile feedback. Both switches have travel distances that fall below the traditional 4.0 mm mark, appealing to modern preferences for shorter distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two may hinge on whether a user prioritizes the speed of actuation or a more pronounced, hearty typing experience.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profile of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, one can observe distinct qualities. The Ice switch, renowned for its premium typing experience, is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound that adds to its overall appeal, making it suitable for both gaming and daily use. In contrast, the Lime switch is noted for its muted sound, producing a softer noise that minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, it falls into the neutral category, which implies that its sound profile is moderate and less intrusive, making it versatile for varied environments such as home and office settings.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch provides a smooth and responsive typing sensation without the tactile bump, ideal for those seeking a seamless key press. This smoothness can enhance gaming performance and provides an uninterrupted typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Lime switch offers a blend of mild tactility and reinforcement, allowing for a lightweight typing experience. The Lime's subtle resistance and feathery action make it particularly comfortable for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and strain. Furthermore, the Lime switch is described as polished, ensuring a refinement that contributes to a sleek and smooth overall feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice linear and Outemu Lime tactile switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ice switch excels with its satisfying bottom-out sound and smooth keypress, appealing to those who enjoy linear switches. On the other hand, the Lime switch provides a quiet, muted sound with a light tactile response, perfect for users who prefer a more gentle touch and a subdued auditory experience. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Ice focusing on smoothness and sound enjoyment, while the Lime emphasizes tactility and silence.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and intended usage scenarios. If you prefer a typing experience that is smooth, responsive, and provides a satisfying bottom-out sound—making it ideal for both gaming and everyday tasks—the TTC Ice is a fantastic option. With its medium actuation force of 60 grams, it's suitable for users who appreciate a balanced resistance but still want the advantages of linear switches. On the other hand, if you lean towards a typing experience that is lightweight and tactile without being overly pronounced, the Outemu Lime serves as a great alternative. The 45 grams bottom-out force allows for a feathery light touch that minimizes finger fatigue, while its muted sound character makes it perfect for quieter environments, like shared workplaces or study areas. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether you value the smoothness and sound of a linear switch or the light touch and subtle tactility of a tactile switch.
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