TTC Ice vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Gateron Lunar Probe stand out as two impressive linear options, each with its unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their striking crystal-clear design and a smooth, responsive feel, delivering a clacky and feathery typing experience that many gamers and typists find satisfying. Their aesthetic appeal and satisfying bottom-out sound can enhance the overall ambiance of your setup. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches are constructed with a novel dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. These switches boast an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed sensation that is enriched by a subtle and subdued sound profile, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a polished and mild typing experience. Both switches have their merits; the Ice appeals to those who enjoy a more playful auditory response, while the Lunar Probe offers a refined, soft touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and Gateron Lunar Probe employ polycarbonate for their top housings, creating similarities in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Both switches, thanks to their polycarbonate top housing, produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, allowing for a clearer auditory feedback. Interestingly, both switches benefit from the translucency of their top housings, making them favorable options for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. With this shared material leading to similar acoustic properties, users can expect a uniform experience in terms of sound quality during keystrokes.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the TTC Ice and Gateron Lunar Probe differ significantly in their construction. The Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Lunar Probe uses nylon. The addition of nylon in the Lunar Probe introduces a noticeably different sound profile due to its softer material, which absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound and contributes to an overall sense of dampening during typing. Meanwhile, the Ice's use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings reinforces its crisp audio feedback, offering a consistent sound experience. These housing materials distinctly influence the auditory character of each switch; as a result, the Lunar Probe will provide a rounder, mellower sound compared to the Ice's sharper resonance.
When considering the combined effect of these materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note how the distinct sound profiles of top and bottom housings interact. For example, while the TTC Ice maintains a cohesive sound quality due to the same material being used in both housings, the Gateron Lunar Probe produces a more complex auditory experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing a fuller sound during key presses and a nuanced acoustics as the polycarbonate top housing releases sound. Ultimately, while both switches share a commonality in their top material, the divergence in bottom housing materials leads to contrasting tactile and auditory experiences, appealing to different user preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the initial pressure required to register a keystroke. However, the two switches differ significantly in their bottom out forces; the Ice switch bottoms out at 60 grams, while the Lunar Probe has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same effort to actuate, the TTC Ice offers a heavier feel upon fully depressing the key, which can be advantageous for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Lunar Probe, with its lighter bottom out force, could be preferable for those who favor longer typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. Ultimately, the TTC Ice is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the Gateron Lunar Probe is the lighter choice, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offer identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect the same keypress feel and actuation when utilizing either switch. Since both switches have an equal travel distance, individuals will experience similar results in terms of responsiveness and feedback while typing or gaming. This similarity in travel distance ensures a consistent experience for users looking to switch between these two options, providing a balanced performance without the need for adjustment or adaptation.
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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 the sound profile, the TTC Ice linear switch emits a clacky, sharp sound that resonates with a crisp and bright quality upon actuation. This percussive characteristic is particularly satisfying for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch features a more subdued acoustic profile, yielding a dampened sound that is less pronounced than the Ice switch. While it still offers audible feedback, it presents a softer signature that emphasizes discretion, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments where reduced noise is a priority.
In terms of feel, the Ice switch is highlighted by its feathery lightness, allowing for effortless key presses and minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing tasks. This ease of actuation can be particularly appealing for those who spend long hours gaming or working. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe switch showcases a silky, polished feel, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Its mild and subtle resistance adds to the refined sensation, making it approachable for a wide range of users. The combination of these feel characteristics in the Lunar Probe not only enhances the tactile feedback but also reduces friction, providing a slick and enjoyable keystroke.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ice stands out with its crisp clack and lightness, the Lunar Probe excels in its smooth, subdued experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you favor the auditory feedback and light touch of the Ice or the polished smoothness and subtle performance of the Lunar Probe. Understanding these differences will help you prioritize what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment should guide your choice. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, a louder, clacky sound, and a feathery feel, the Ice switch is an excellent option, providing a vibrant and responsive experience that's well-suited for gaming and everyday typing. Its transparent design also adds aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams with a subdued sound profile, the Lunar Probe might be the better fit for you. Its silky and polished feel ensures a smooth typing experience while the dual rail mechanism guarantees stability with every keystroke. Additionally, given its quieter sound signature, the Lunar Probe is more appropriate for shared spaces or environments where noise could be an issue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits, sound preferences, and the kind of environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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