TTC Ice vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that cater to their specific needs, and two notable contenders are the TTC Ice and the Cherry MX Orange. The TTC Ice switch stands out with its stunning crystal-clear design, offering a smooth and responsive feel complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound. This makes it an excellent choice for both gamers seeking precision and everyday users who appreciate a premium typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, a modern revival of the original MX Orange, is enhanced with the MX2A generation improvements to meet high demand, making it a reliable and robust option for users who prioritize tactile feedback alongside a linear actuation. While the Ice appeals to those who favor aesthetics and an auditory experience, the MX Orange offers a blend of legacy quality and modern enhancements. 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 Orange Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, notable differences emerge between their top and bottom housings, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, leading to a sharper and crisper sound. This material not only enhances resonance but also facilitates the effective use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users interested in illumination effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing that is softer and more sound-absorbing, producing a deeper and rounder sound profile. This divergence in material properties means that typists may experience distinct auditory sensations when engaging with these switches, with the Ice yielding a brighter sound and the Orange a more muted experience.

When delving into the bottom housings of both switches, the differences remain pronounced. The TTC Ice again opts for polycarbonate, which contributes to a consistent sharpness in sound, reinforcing the rigidity established by its top housing. This higher-pitched audio characteristic resonates through to the bottom-out sound, leading to a uniform auditory experience throughout the actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, further deepening the overall sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound and dampens the auditory response, resulting in a more pleasant and rounded bottom-out experience. Consequently, users can expect a distinct separation in acoustic feedback as they engage with each switch type.

In summary, the combination of materials in each switch’s construction directly affects the auditory results during typing. The TTC Ice, with its dual polycarbonate housing, delivers a bright, crisp sound profile that remains consistent across both the actuation and release phases. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange's use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings creates a deeper, fuller auditory experience. For users seeking a clearer sound profile, the Ice’s polycarbonate elements are advantageous, while those desiring a more subdued typing experience may prefer the comforting roundness offered by the MX Orange. Ultimately, the contrasting materials yield distinct results, appealing to different user preferences when it comes to typing acoustics.

Weight

The TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces, affecting user experience and typing preferences. The Ice switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and features a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range, making it suitable for users who prefer a balanced typing feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting a firmer response when typing. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unavailable, making it difficult to provide a complete comparison in this aspect. This means users might not get a definitive sense of how it feels when pressing the switch all the way down. Overall, the TTC Ice switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it potentially better for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Cherry MX Orange's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who seek a more substantial touch sensation.

Travel distance

The TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Ice measuring at 3.6 mm and the MX Orange at 4 mm. This indicates that the TTC Ice offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate tactile engagement when pressing keys. In contrast, the MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced feel and depth that some users prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, those looking for enhanced responsiveness might lean towards the TTC Ice, while those who appreciate a heftier keypress may find the Cherry MX Orange to be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch is known for its satisfying bottom-out sound, which helps to create an engaging and premium typing experience. This clarity adds to its appeal, particularly for users who appreciate auditory feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch's sound characteristics remain largely unknown based on available information, but Cherry switches typically have a reputation for being well-balanced in their audible feedback. It's important to consider that the ultimate sound experience can be influenced by factors such as the mechanical keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is characterized by a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use without fatigue. This quality is particularly beneficial for both casual typing and intense gaming sessions, where quick response times can make a significant difference. The Cherry MX Orange switch boasts similar enhancements from its reissue with MX2A generation improvements, aimed at providing a pleasant typing experience. While the specific tactile feedback of the MX Orange isn't detailed, Cherry switches are generally recognized for their consistent performance and reliability. Thus, both switches offer a similar smooth linear feel that can appeal to a range of users.

In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Orange linear switches cater to those seeking a smooth typing experience, with the Ice switch further enhanced by its pleasing sound profile. While sound specifics for the Cherry MX Orange remain unknown, both switches can provide satisfactory results in their own right, making either a viable option for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, personal preference in design, aesthetics, and brand loyalty may guide the decision on which switch to choose.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and use cases. If you value a medium actuation force that balances tactile feedback with a smooth keystroke, the TTC Ice switch might be the better choice for you. Its crystal-clear design not only enhances aesthetics but also delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks where clarity and responsiveness are key. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that has been enhanced from the original MX Orange design, which focuses on a finely tuned typing experience with potentially different sound and feel characteristics, opting for the Cherry MX Orange might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should come down to which switch aligns better with your typing style and usage scenarios—whether you prefer the clear visual appeal and responsive action of the TTC Ice or the nostalgic feel and reliability of the Cherry MX Orange.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more