TTC Ice vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches both offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its stunning crystal-clear design, providing a visually striking addition to any keyboard setup. Known for its smooth and responsive feel, the Ice switch delivers a satisfying sound with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for everyday typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver stands out as the pinnacle of rapid response, featuring a full height for maximum speed that caters specifically to competitive gamers. With its lower spring resistance, the Speed Silver triggers almost instantly, which can be crucial in high-stakes gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. While both switches present compelling reasons to choose them—whether for aesthetics and satisfaction with the Ice or speed and performance with the Speed Silver—there are nuances worth exploring to help you make the best decision for your needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The TTC Ice and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches utilize fundamentally different housing materials that significantly influence their auditory and tactile outputs. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and capacity to produce a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver employs a nylon top housing, which, due to its softer characteristics, results in a deeper and rounder sound. While both switches aim to offer an enjoyable typing experience, the contrasting materials result in distinctly different sound profiles, catering to the preferences of different users.
When we delve into the bottom housings, the differences in material characteristics are similarly pronounced. The TTC Ice's bottom housing, also made from polycarbonate, replicates its sharpness and clarity in sound, enhancing the overall aural experience. Conversely, the MX Speed Silver's bottom housing, constructed from nylon, absorbs sound, contributing to a fuller, more muted auditory feedback. Because the bottom housing plays a vital role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feel of the switch, this variance means that each switch offers a unique sensation as users engage with them—typers seeking clarity might prefer the Ice, while those desiring depth may lean towards the Speed Silver.
Despite these differences, one can achieve similar typing results by utilizing the switches in environments optimized for their sound profiles. For example, those who favor RGB lighting configurations are likely to benefit from the Ice’s transparent polycarbonate housing, allowing the lights to shine through vividly. Meanwhile, typists who value sound dampening in a potentially noisy environment might find that the MX Speed Silver's nylon housing provides the comfort they seek. Ultimately, while the differences between polycarbonate and nylon lead to varied experiences, both switches can successfully meet the needs of users depending on their individual preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch exhibit an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar when it comes to triggering keystrokes. This parity means users can expect comparable performance in terms of speed and response when typing or gaming. However, the TTC Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Speed Silver is not available. This lack of information for the Cherry MX switch means we can’t definitively compare the bottoming-out experience. Despite this, the TTC Ice's higher bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel when keys are fully pressed down, which some users prefer for a tactile experience. In terms of weight, the TTC Ice is heavier overall because of its measurable bottom out force, making it potentially less suitable for users who seek a lighter typing experience for longer sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Cherry MX Speed Silver measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the shorter option, providing a more rapid response time, which is often favored by gamers. In contrast, the TTC Ice, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel that some users prefer for typing or gaming scenarios that require a bit more depth. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth; choosing the shorter MX Speed Silver could enhance your speed in gaming, while the Ice might provide a more satisfying experience for those who like a bit more travel in their key presses.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel premium. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a certain acoustical feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its thocky and low-pitched sound, producing a deep and rich tone as you press the keys. This adds a unique auditory satisfaction, especially for users who favor a mellow and bass-heavy sound profile. However, it's important to note that the actual sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used, so both switches might result in a different auditory experience depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch offers a smooth, responsive typing experience that is well-suited for both gaming and everyday use. Users can expect a linear action without any tactile bump, which allows for seamless key presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch features a textured feel that some users may find pleasing due to the noticeable friction encountered while pressing the keys. This friction can offer a sense of control that some gamers might prefer, though it may not appeal to those who favor a completely smooth typing experience. Thus, users of the Ice switch can expect a consistent fluidity, while the Speed Silver may introduce a variation that delivers a distinct tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The Ice switch provides a clear auditory incentive with a smooth typing experience, while the Speed Silver excels in response speed accompanied by a rich and textured auditory feedback. Ultimately, users looking for a premium typing experience can find satisfaction in both options, depending on whether they prioritize sound profiles or the tactile qualities in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you seek a switch with a pleasing aesthetic, characterized by its crystal-clear design, and you appreciate a satisfying bottom-out sound during your typing sessions, the TTC Ice could be your go-to option. It offers a balanced 60-gram actuation force that caters well to both gaming and casual typing experiences, making it versatile for everyday use. On the other hand, if you’re a competitive gamer who thrives on speed and responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is designed with you in mind. With its ultra-fast actuation and low spring resistance, this switch allows for rapid key presses, giving you the edge when every moment counts in high-stakes situations. While it may have a textured feel that some find less smooth compared to the Ice, its low-pitched thocky sound offers a satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, consider your primary use case—if it's casual use with an emphasis on aesthetics, the Ice is ideal, while the Speed Silver caters to those who prioritize performance and speed in gaming.
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