TTC Ice vs. Cherry MX Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between TTC Ice and Cherry MX Brown can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an attractive option for users who prioritize rapid key presses and a more fluid feel for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown, categorized as a tactile switch, emphasizes subtlety with its gentle tactile feedback and subdued audio. This design caters to users who appreciate a bit of resistance with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience while minimizing distraction. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether you prefer the sleek efficiency of linear action or the nuanced feedback of a tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Ice and Cherry MX Brown switches utilize distinct housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles and tactile characteristics. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to its ability to produce a clean and resonant audio experience, appealing to users who favor a more pronounced keystroke sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound energy, producing a duller and rounder acoustic experience that provides users with a warmer typing sensation. Thus, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the TTC Ice emphasizes clarity and sharpness, while the MX Brown leans towards depth and warmth.

When examining the sound characteristics further, it becomes evident that the housing materials of the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Brown switches play key roles in shaping the auditory feedback users receive during typing. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Ice ensure consistency in delivering clear, resonant sounds at both the key press and release stages. This is particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects associated with the switches. In contrast, the MX Brown’s nylon housings offer a distinctive contrast in sound feedback, as the softer materials create a more muted auditory experience that better absorbs sound. Users who prefer a quieter typing environment may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Brown due to its sound-dampening properties, whereas those seeking an engaging and sharp sound will likely opt for the TTC Ice.

Despite these differences, both the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Brown switches exhibit characteristics that can yield similar results when paired with compatible keyboard designs. For instance, if a user enjoys the tactile feedback from the MX Brown but prefers the clearer sounds of the TTC Ice, they might replicate the audio experience of the Brown by opting for a separate sound-dampening material or modifying their keyboard model to achieve a more muted sound profile. Ultimately, both switches cater to diverse user preferences, balancing individual auditory tastes with the tactile sensations desired in a mechanical keyboard environment.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar ease of triggering a keystroke with either switch. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Ice switch requiring 60 grams to fully bottom out, while the MX Brown's bottom out force is lighter at 55 grams. This means that when pressing the keys down completely, the Ice switch feels heavier, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the MX Brown may be more suitable for individuals looking for comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, as it could potentially lead to less fatigue. In summary, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the TTC Ice has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Brown, making it the heavier option overall.

Travel distance

The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ice switch the shorter of the two, catering to users who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness, which is often preferred in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the MX Brown's 4 mm travel distance aligns with more traditional key feel, offering a deeper and more satisfying tactile feedback that some users might find preferable for typing. Consequently, choosing between the two switches often comes down to personal preference—if you're looking for a quicker response, the TTC Ice is the better option; however, if you desire a fuller, more substantial key press, the Cherry MX Brown is ideal.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Ice linear switch is known for its smooth and responsive operation paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound. This contrast creates an auditory experience that emphasizes clarity and smoothness, making each keystroke feel distinct and precise. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a subtler sound profile described as bassy and low-pitched, which provides a deeper richness to the key presses. The cherry MX Brown's audio feedback is more subdued than that of the Ice, emphasizing a quieter typing experience that is less intrusive, ideal for shared environments.

When it comes to feel, the Ice linear switch excels in delivering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bumps, allowing for fluid transitions between presses. This linear quality makes the Ice switches particularly appealing for users who prefer an uninterrupted typing experience, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown's tactile feedback presents a textured experience, marked by a gentle tactile bump that offers some friction during key presses. This texture can appeal to users who enjoy a slight physical indication of actuation without being overly pronounced, striking a balance between linear and clicky switches.

In conclusion, while the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch differ significantly in both sound and feel, they cater to distinct preferences. The Ice offers a crisp and smooth auditory and tactile experience suitable for those favoring linear switches, while the MX Brown provides a more subtle sound with satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, responsive feel or a combination of tactility and understated audio feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences in typing feel, sound, and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smoother, more responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch is an excellent choice, especially if you're into gaming or want a premium feel for everyday tasks. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides just the right balance for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a subtle confirmation with each keypress, then the Cherry MX Brown switch is likely more suitable for you. Its medium-light force of 55 grams promotes a softer touch, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. Additionally, the subdued basy and low-pitched sound of the MX Brown can create a quieter workspace, allowing for less distraction, particularly in a shared or professional environment. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should align with your typing habits and the ambiance you wish to maintain while using your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more