TTC Ice vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and Gazzew LT offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The TTC Ice switches stand out with their stunning crystal-clear design and provide a smooth, responsive typing experience paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them a versatile choice for both gaming and everyday tasks. Their linear nature ensures a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, which can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy fluid, uninterrupted typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches, known for their delightful lilac hue, take a different approach with their pronounced "thocky" sound profile, characterized by deep, resonant notes with every keystroke. This uniqueness not only enhances the auditory experience but also offers a seamless glide, perfect for those who appreciate a more tactile feedback despite being linear switches. Both switches cater to varying preferences in terms of aesthetics and auditory feedback; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice switch employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a distinctively sharp and clear sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, enhancing the sharpness of key presses and offering a brighter acoustic response. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate complements RGB lighting beautifully, allowing for vibrant color representation. This uniformity in material not only ensures that the acoustic properties are consistent across the switch but also simplifies the design, making it particularly favorable for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a clean visual alongside high performance.
In contrast, the Gazzew LT features its proprietary blend, often dubbed "boba plastic," for both the top and bottom housings. This blend is celebrated for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile that is warmer and more muted than the sharper tonality of polycarbonate. The use of this softer material means that while the acoustic experience may differ significantly, the overall feel of the switch tends to be softer and more cushioned. This distinct characteristic alters the tactile experience of each keystroke, rendering the Gazzew LT more appealing for users who favor a more subdued auditory response and a gentler actuation.
While the TTC Ice and Gazzew LT switches employ different materials that yield contrasting sound profiles, the impact of material differences on key feel and acoustics can still be compared in terms of their overall performance. In both cases, the top housing significantly influences the sound during release, while the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out feel and sound. Therefore, even though the Ice delivers a brighter and crisper experience thanks to its polycarbonate structure, and the LT offers a deeper sound characteristic through its softer blend, both switches can provide satisfying typographical experiences that cater to varied preferences, emphasizing how the selection of housing material directly shapes user interaction.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we note distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range, ideal for typists seeking a balance between comfort and feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew LT lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that the LT may require a slightly more substantial force to bottom out, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Consequently, while the TTC Ice is lighter overall, making it a better choice for extended typing sessions, the Gazzew LT’s heavier bottom out force caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Therefore, users weighing their options should consider these differences; if easy and long-duration typing is a priority, the TTC Ice would likely be the preferable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there is a notable difference. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the LT switch may be the better option due to its shorter distance, allowing for quicker actuation. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial depth and a less abrupt experience while pressing the keys, the Ice switch, with its longer travel distance, could be more appealing. Thus, the TTC Ice is the longer travel switch, while the Gazzew LT is the shorter one. Both switches cater to different preferences, highlighting the importance of individual comfort in choosing between them.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch offers a smooth, responsive sound that creates a satisfying bottom-out experience. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate a clean and pleasant auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch delivers a deep, resonant "thock" that characterizes its auditory experience. With its bassy and low-pitched tonality, the LT switch produces a rich sound profile that is notably more pronounced than the Ice switch. Users might find that the satisfying thock of the LT can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a deeper sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice linear switch provides a smooth and responsive keystroke that contributes to a premium typing experience. The seamless glide of the switch allows for effortless actuation, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. Conversely, the Gazzew LT switch is also designed to offer a seamless glide, reinforcing the notion that both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience. The LT’s focus on creating a “thocky” feel adds an extra layer of tactile enjoyment, although specific descriptors regarding the Ice's tactile feedback aren't mentioned.
In conclusion, while the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch differ significantly in sound character—with the Ice being more subtle and the LT providing a deep thock—both switches excel in terms of feel. Each switch offers a smooth, responsive keypress, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, users seeking a simplistic and polished auditory experience may lean toward the Ice, while those who desire a richer, bassy sound with a pronounced thock may prefer the LT. Both options promise quality performance, so the choice largely depends on personal preference for sound profile over tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth and responsive typing experience coupled with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Ice switch is likely your best option. Its clear design and satisfying sound make it versatile for both gaming and daily typing, perfect for those who want elegance combined with functionality. On the other hand, should you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a bottom-out force of 65 grams and an auditory experience characterized by deep, resonant thockiness, the LT switch may suit you better. The Gazzew LT provides a rich and immersive sound profile alongside a seamless keystroke, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider whether you value a lighter, smoother feel or a heavier, thocky typing experience when choosing between these two remarkable options.
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