TTC Ice vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in feel, sound, and design can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice switches stand out with their striking crystal-clear transparent design, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound. Their clacky and feathery typing feel makes them an appealing choice for both gamers looking for quick responses and typists valuing comfort during extended use. On the other hand, Cherry MX Black switches are renowned for their robust construction and iconic deep sound profile, further refined by Cherry’s innovative Hyperglide tooling, which ensures a consistently smooth keystroke. While the MX Black is celebrated for its low-pitched feedback and durability, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a solid and less noisome typing experience, the ICE switches offer a more vibrant and visually appealing alternative. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Black switches, two distinct types of plastics are used that impart differing sound profiles and tactile experiences. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This material enhances the sharpness and resonance of the sound produced, resulting in a crisp, higher-pitched audio profile that many gamers and typists appreciate. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black employs nylon for its housings, which is noticeably softer and absorbs more sound. This characteristic leads to a deeper, fuller sound that is often perceived as rounder and less piercing. Therefore, these housing materials create contrasting auditory experiences; while the Ice offers a bright and clear keystroke sound, the MX Black provides a more subdued and warm auditory feedback.
Additionally, the translucency of the TTC Ice’s polycarbonate housing further enhances its performance, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The clear polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion, making it a popular choice for aesthetics in mechanical keyboards that prioritize illumination. In contrast, the opaque nature of the Cherry MX Black's nylon housing sacrifices some lighting effects but also provides a more robust and muted appearance. Although both switches can deliver an engaging tactile feedback experience, the Ice is designed for those who enjoy visual elements alongside their typing experience, while the MX Black caters to users who may prefer a more understated and classic aesthetic.
Ultimately, if you were to utilize both switches in similar settings, the differences in sound and feel would become apparent. The TTC Ice’s polycarbonate construction will shine in applications where clarity and sharpness are essential, contributing to a lively and energetic typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black’s nylon housing would be more suitable for long typing sessions focused on comfort, as its deeper sound profile provides a softer feedback that may reduce the strain on the ears. Thus, while both switches have their unique appeals, they serve different purposes and audiences based on the characteristics of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which places it in the medium category. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black features a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch. This means that for users who prefer a lighter experience—ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming— the TTC Ice would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a firmer, more substantial typing experience may favor the Cherry MX Black due to its increased resistance. Overall, these differences reflect individual preferences in typing feel, with the TTC Ice being lighter and easier on the fingers compared to the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the TTC Ice measures at 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the TTC Ice offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times that gamers often prefer for enhanced performance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, with its traditional 4 mm distance, may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke, appealing to users who favor a more pronounced feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: for those valuing responsiveness, the TTC Ice may be the preferred option, whereas those seeking a more robust experience might gravitate toward the Cherry MX Black.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 offers a distinct sound profile characterized by a clacky tone, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This crisp and bright sound adds a certain excitement to the typing experience, making it well-suited for both gamers and everyday users who appreciate a more percussive sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch delivers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, creating a deeper resonance under the fingers. While the Ice switch invites the user to enjoy a lively acoustic experience, the MX Black communicates a classic, subdued ambience that can be more preferable in quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switch shines with its feathery actuation. This exceptionally light press reduces finger fatigue, allowing for longer typing sessions without strain or discomfort, which is particularly advantageous during extended gaming or work. The smooth, responsive action further enhances the overall experience, making it a pleasure to use. The MX Black, while renowned for its durable and consistent performance due to Cherry’s advanced manufacturing, does not have specific descriptors provided for its feel. However, it is well-known for offering a solid, reliable typing experience that many users appreciate.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. Those who enjoy a lively, clacky sound and a feathery feel will likely gravitate towards the TTC Ice, while users who prefer a deeper, low-pitched sound and a reliable, consistent feel may find the Cherry MX Black more to their liking. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a dynamic typing experience or a more subdued, classic sensation. Regardless, both switches offer unique advantages that can satisfy a variety of typing and gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch should largely depend on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a nice balance between responsiveness and comfort, the TTC Ice would be a suitable option due to its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams. Its clacky sound profile and feathery feel make it particularly enjoyable for extended use, whether you're gaming or typing up documents. This switch generally caters to those who prefer a lighter touch and an enticing auditory experience. On the other hand, if you find yourself leaning towards a firmer keystroke, the Cherry MX Black might be the better fit for you. With its heavy 80-gram bottom-out force, it demands more effort but rewards you with a textured, smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound that can feel satisfying in more focused tasks. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prefer a lighter, more articulate switch for casual use or a deeper, heftier switch for focused typing and gaming.
Mentioned in this article
