TTC Ice vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the TTC Ice and the Gateron Mountain Top. The TTC Ice, with its crystal-clear transparent design, is renowned for delivering a smooth, responsive typing experience, complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound. This switch is particularly appealing for gamers and everyday typists seeking a premium tactile feel and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are specifically engineered for office environments, offering a balance of discretion and comfort. While they provide a light actuation reminiscent of a more subdued typing experience, they are perfect for those in need of an unobtrusive switch that minimizes noise during long hours of work. Both switches cater to different user needs, one emphasizing performance and aesthetics while the other prioritizes quiet efficiency. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the TTC Ice and Gateron Mountain Top switch housings reveals significant differences primarily rooted in their chosen materials: polycarbonate for the Ice and nylon for the Mountain Top. The Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housings contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, largely due to the material's stiff nature. This stiffness allows for a more resonant and vibrant sound when a key is pressed and released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through and illuminate the switch, enhancing the visibility of the keycap. Consequently, users looking for a tactile experience combined with visual aesthetics may find the Ice switch more appealing.
In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which leads to a more muted and fuller sound profile. Nylon is inherently softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and resulting in a deeper, rounder auditory experience when the key is pressed. This characteristic makes the Mountain Top switches preferable for those who enjoy a more subdued typing sound, as the nylon material dampens vibrations that might otherwise contribute to a sharper tone. The sound produced is reflective of the softer feel of the nylon, creating an auditory experience that contrasts with the crisp brightness of the Ice switch.
Overall, while the TTC Ice and Gateron Mountain Top differ significantly in material choice—polycarbonate versus nylon—the interplay of their respective characteristics leads to distinct typing experiences. The Ice focuses on delivering a clear, resonant sound supported by its sturdy polycarbonate construction, making it ideal for brightly lit environments. On the other hand, the Mountain Top leverages the soft, sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, creating a deeper and more rounded sound profile. For users seeking specific auditory qualities, understanding these material differences allows for a more tailored keyboard experience; however, those desiring both switches could achieve similar results by mixing and matching the housings, allowing customization in sound profiles through the intentional pairing of top and bottom materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top has a lighter configuration with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, marking it as a lighter option. This difference means that those who favor a softer touch and less fatigue during long typing sessions may gravitate towards the Mountain Top, while users who prefer a more substantial feel and resistance when typing might choose the Ice. Overall, the TTC Ice is the heavier of the two switches, providing a firmer feedback, while the Gateron Mountain Top boasts a lighter and perhaps more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top switch measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Ice switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying or substantial. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker key presses, leading to faster response times. Therefore, if you value a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Mountain Top is the preferable choice. Conversely, for users who appreciate a fuller key press, the TTC Ice would be the better option due to its longer travel distance.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
The TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to a premium typing experience. As it offers a smooth and responsive feel, the sound profile is more pronounced, adding to the overall feedback the user receives while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches are engineered for discretion, making them ideal for office environments where a quieter operation is essential. Their neutral sound profile provides a balanced auditory experience that is moderate in volume, ensuring that it caters well to both beginners and advanced users in various contexts, whether at home or in a professional setting.
In terms of feel, the Ice switch boasts a smooth and responsive typing experience that is favored by users who appreciate a more direct interaction with their keyboard. This feature makes them suitable for both gaming and daily use, providing a tactile reassurance with each key press. Conversely, the Mountain Top switches are designed with multiple descriptors in mind. They offer a bouncy and snappy sensation, enabling a lively typing experience while maintaining a mild and subtle resistance. The easy-to-press nature of these switches ensures minimal force is required for actuation, making them exceptionally comfortable for extended typing sessions. This thoughtful design aims to reduce finger fatigue, making typing feel almost effortless.
In summary, the TTC Ice linear switch and Gateron Mountain Top linear switch each offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. The Ice delivers a more auditory and active experience, suited for dynamic typing scenarios, while the Mountain Top prioritizes a quieter, more professional feel with its subtle sound profile and responsive feedback. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you lean more towards the engaging sound and feel of the Ice or the discretion and comfort of the Mountain Top. If sound is a critical factor for shared spaces, the Mountain Top may outshine the Ice, but for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Ice is an appealing option as well.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch should ultimately hinge on your specific typing preferences and usage environments. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a moderate actuation force that strikes a balance for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its more substantial bottom-out force of 60 grams lends itself to a robust typing experience, making each keypress feel deliberate and engaging. On the other hand, if your primary focus is on having a quiet, effortless typing experience in a professional or office setting, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would serve you well. With its light 50-gram actuation force, bouncy feel, and mild sound profile, this switch is designed for minimal finger fatigue and unobtrusive typing, making it suitable for extended use in shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique advantages; choosing the right one will depend on your typing style and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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