TTC Ice vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer two distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The TTC Ice, known for its crystal-clear transparent design, delivers a smooth and silky feel, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a quiet, clacky typing experience ideal for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its feathery touch and satisfying bottom-out sound contribute to a premium feel that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) embraces a unique tactile experience, featuring a strong, sharp bump that gives way to an exhilarating and hypertactile sensation on both downstroke and upstroke, resulting in a snappy, punchy acoustics. With its medium-heavy resistance and pronounced bottom-out, Moyu Blacks are tailored for those who relish in an impactful typing experience. While the TTC Ice is perfect for users who prefer a smooth, linear experience, the Moyu Black appeals to those who thrive on tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches exhibit distinct characteristics that significantly influence their performance and sound profiles. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and translucency, enhances the clear resonance that makes the sound profile more pronounced. This material is particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting due to its clear housing, allowing the light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black features PBT for both the top and bottom housings, which delivers a neutral sound profile that is neither overly crisp nor dull. While polycarbonate offers a vibrant auditory experience, PBT’s characteristics tend to create a more subdued and balanced acoustic environment.
Despite the differences in the materials used, both switches will still provide an appealing tactile and auditory experience, albeit in contrasting ways. The TTC Ice's polycarbonate construction means that gamers who appreciate a crisper sound will benefit from its sharper auditory response during key presses and releases. However, the neutral quality of the PBT housing in the Moyu Black means that it may appeal to users who prefer a more rounded and cohesive sound experience. When pressing the keys, the bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role, with the TTC Ice's stiffer polycarbonate material enhancing the bottom-out sounds while the Moyu Black’s PBT offers a softer impact. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which sound profile best suits an individual's typing or gaming style.
Additionally, the aesthetic implications of the two materials add another layer to the comparison. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound but also allows for a more visually striking display when used with RGB lighting, making it an attractive option for keyboard enthusiasts who value aesthetics. On the other hand, the PBT housing of the Moyu Black, while less visually engaging in terms of light diffusion, is often lauded for its durability and resistance to wear over time. This contrast shows that while both materials lead to different sound profiles and visual qualities, they both can proffer satisfying tactile experiences, thereby catering to various consumer needs.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The TTC Ice switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium-weight. In contrast, the Moyu Black switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy spectrum. This means that the Moyu Black switch is heavier, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Ice switch may appeal to those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. Consequently, the TTC Ice is likely to provide a more effortless typing experience, while the Moyu Black delivers a firmer feel for those who appreciate a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, significant differences emerge. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a travel distance of 4 mm, categorizing it as the longer switch. This difference means that gamers or typists who prioritize responsiveness might prefer the TTC Ice for its quicker actuation, while those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke may find the Moyu Black's deeper travel more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sensitivity and typing experience, as the TTC Ice offers a more rapid response, whereas the Moyu Black delivers a fuller keystroke sensation.
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 Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 produced by the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, distinct characteristics emerge. The Ice switch is known for its clacky sound, which produces a sharp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback when pressed. This sound can enhance the experience for users who appreciate a more dynamic auditory reaction. In contrast, the Moyu Black switch offers a resonant sound profile, typified by a clean, high-pitched sound that creates an immersive auditory experience. The overall sound could reflect the board and keycap choices; however, users can expect the Ice switch to be more percussive while the Moyu Black leans towards a more ethereal clarity.
On the tactile front, the Ice switch offers a feathery feel, characterized by its light actuation force that results in minimal finger exertion and reduced fatigue during prolonged use. This attribute makes it particularly appealing for those engaging in extended gaming or typing sessions. Conversely, the Moyu Black is designed with a strong tactile presence, featuring a sharp and accentuated bump that delivers a significant feedback intensity. Its medium-heavy resistance combined with a distinct tactile response ensures a pronounced sensation with each press, setting it apart from the lighter, more gentle feedback of the Ice switch.
In summary, while both switches provide unique qualities catering to different preferences, their differences lie significantly in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The TTC Ice linear switch is tailored for those who prefer a light and responsive typing experience with bright, clacky sounds, making it versatile for both gaming and productivity. Meanwhile, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) focuses on delivering a more pronounced tactile feedback with a resonant sound, suited for users who appreciate a robust and engaging keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, providing distinct experiences that can enhance one's keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth and lighter typing experience with a crisp sound, the TTC Ice switch is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force and feathery feel make it ideal for long typing sessions, whether you’re gaming or working, providing a satisfying and responsive feedback that can keep your fingers comfortable and fatigue at bay. On the other hand, if you relish a pronounced tactile sensation, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is the way to go. With a bit heavier 67-gram bottom-out force, its sharp tactile feedback and resonant sound profile provide a unique and impactful typing experience that can enhance your engagement with each keystroke. Therefore, if you enjoy a tactile response that delivers a more dynamic feel, especially during intense typing sessions, the Moyu Blacks will likely satisfy your needs. Overall, both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing styles, making your ultimate choice a matter of personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking to achieve.
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