TTC Ice vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and the Cherry MX Silent Red stand out as compelling options for users seeking a premium typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The TTC Ice, celebrated for its crystal-clear transparent design, offers a smooth and responsive feel along with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and everyday typists who enjoy an auditory and tactile feedback during their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the classic, slightly heftier feel of the Cherry MX Red but is designed specifically for noise-sensitive environments with its muted and textured sound profile. This means users can enjoy a similar level of responsiveness without the distracting clatter often associated with mechanical keyboards. Each switch has its unique advantages: the Ice emphasizes a vibrant acoustic feedback and aesthetic, while the Silent Red prioritizes a quieter experience without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches reveals notable differences in both acoustic characteristics and sensory feedback. The TTC Ice switches feature polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. This choice of polycarbonate results in a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile that resonates clearly, making it particularly well-suited for enthusiasts who value acute auditory feedback when typing or gaming. The transparent nature of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetics, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, allowing the illumination to shine through in a vivid manner.
In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, contributing to a distinctly different sound experience. Nylon is inherently softer than polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. As a result, the Cherry MX Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience that many users may prefer for quieter environments. When typing on these switches, the nylon materials provide a rounded sound that feels more cushioned. This acoustic distinction is vital for users who may be conscious of their typing volume or who appreciate a softer approach to the tactile response of their keyboard.
While the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Silent Red switches utilize different housing materials, it's important to note how these differences manifest in their overall typing experiences. The polycarbonate of the Ice switches tends to amplify the keypress feedback, favoring those who thrive on tactile sensation. Alternatively, the nylon of the MX Silent Red promotes a quieter performance, favoring users looking for a softer touch. If one were to utilize switches composed of the same materials across both the top and bottom housings, similar auditory experiences would likely ensue, allowing users to achieve a balanced sound signature tailored to their preferences. Ultimately, the choice of housing material significantly influences not just the sound profile but also the user's typing feel and environment suitability.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience similar responsiveness when pressing the keys, making both switches suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without significant fatigue. However, the bottom out force diverges between the two: the TTC Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unspecified. This means that the TTC Ice provides a heavier bottoming out experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys all the way down. In contrast, the absence of a defined bottom out force for the MX Silent Red may imply a lighter or potentially softer landing, appealing to users who seek a more cushioned typing experience. Overall, the TTC Ice is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while both switches have the same actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall feel and response of the switches. Gamers often gravitate towards the TTC Ice for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses and enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for tactile feedback. Thus, if you prioritize quicker response times, the TTC Ice would be the better option, whereas those who enjoy a fuller pressing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 sound profile of the TTC Ice linear switch offers a satisfying bottom-out sound that is likely to be crisp and clear, enhancing the overall typing experience while remaining relatively pleasant for both gaming and everyday tasks. The Cherry MX Silent Red, on the other hand, provides a distinctly muted sound signature, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It features a low-pitched and thocky quality that delivers a deep, rich sound upon actuation, making it an excellent option for noise-sensitive environments. This contrast in sound naturally means that those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback may lean towards the Ice switch, whereas those seeking a quieter experience will find the Silent Red more appealing.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the TTC Ice provides a smooth, responsive typing experience that is generally favored for its fluidity, ensuring ease of key actuation without noticeable friction. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, presenting a subtle friction during use. While some users appreciate this tactile sensation, others may find the textured aspect less desirable compared to the smoothness offered by the Ice switch. Thus, the Ice could be more suited for those who prioritize an effortless typing motion, while the Silent Red might attract those who prefer a bit of feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches have unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice provides a clearer and more satisfying bottom-out sound with a smooth typing experience, suitable for general use and gaming. Conversely, the Silent Red excels in creating a quiet typing environment with a textured feel, ideal for users in noise-sensitive situations. By understanding these qualities, you can make an informed choice based on your specific needs, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, your decision should primarily hinge on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as your environment. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force at 60 grams and are looking for a smooth, responsive feel combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice is an excellent option for both gaming and daily typing tasks. Its crystal-clear design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also enhances your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you are in a noise-sensitive environment such as an office or shared space and require a quieter operation without compromising on the satisfying tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the ideal choice. With its muted, thocky sound profile and slightly heavier feel, this switch allows you to type comfortably while keeping noise to a minimum. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize auditory feedback and aesthetics or a discreet and smooth typing experience.
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