TTC Ice vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and Haimu Neo White switches both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice switch, recognized for its crystal-clear transparent design, provides a clacky yet feathery feel that enhances the tactile experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers and everyday users alike who appreciate auditory feedback alongside a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switches feature a medium weight and slightly reduced travel, resulting in a mild and neutral typing experience. The rare Ly stem used in these switches promotes a remarkably smooth actuation, perfect for those who prioritize a subtle, effortless keystroke. Both switches have their merits, with the Ice excelling in creating a dynamic soundscape and tactile feedback, while the Neo White focuses on offering a refined and comfortable typing feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and Haimu Neo White switches, both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which provides them with a distinct auditory profile. The polycarbonate material is noted for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, primarily due to its stiffer properties. This inherent stiffness allows for clearer resonance, making both switches capable of producing precise audio feedback ideal for typists seeking a satisfying keystroke experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches in illuminated setups.
Contrastingly, the lower housings of the two switches diverge significantly in material selection, which directly affects their auditory characteristics. The bottom housing of the TTC Ice is also made of polycarbonate, thereby maintaining a consistent sound profile across the whole switch. This choice ensures that the sharper audio qualities experienced with the top housing carry through to the bottom, contributing to an overall bright and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White employs a nylon bottom housing, which tends to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon effectively absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory feedback that may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued keystroke.
The differences in bottom housing materials mean that the overall sound and feel of the switches will be influenced differently. For the TTC Ice, the uniformity of polycarbonate throughout both the top and bottom housings ensures a cohesive auditory signature, with the sound sharpness maintained across the switch. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White's polycarbonate top coupled with its nylon bottom creates a unique interplay; while the sharpness from the top section is prominent during upward key releases, the rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom imparts a deeper character during key presses. This split in housing materials results in a layered auditory experience, catering to diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are relatively close. The TTC Ice has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a moderate resistance that many users find comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare their responsiveness. However, its bottom out force at 58 grams is slightly less than that of the Ice, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the TTC Ice has a heavier overall feel with both its actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use, the TTC Ice might be more suitable, while the Haimu Neo White, with its unknown actuation force, could appeal to users seeking a different response, although it generally has a comparable bottoming out experience. In summary, users seeking a medium-weight typing experience might lean toward the TTC Ice for its defined specifications, while the Haimu Neo White offers a slightly lighter bottoming out feel amid undefined actuation characteristics.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. The consistent travel distance ensures that both switches deliver comparable feedback and performance, which may be particularly appealing to those who prioritize uniformity in their typing experience. Since there is no difference in travel distance between the two, individuals can enjoy a consistent feel and responsiveness, regardless of their choice.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch delivers a clacky auditory profile that is crisp and bright, producing a sharp, snappy sound with each keystroke. This engaging sound can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more dynamic and responsive, especially during gaming or fast typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White features a neutral sound that sits comfortably in the moderate range, providing a balance that works well for both beginners and experienced typists alike. This versatility means that the Neo White can be used effectively in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting; however, it may lack the distinct auditory character found in the Ice switches.
In terms of feel, the Ice switch is characterized by a feathery touch, which requires minimal effort to actuate, resulting in a light and responsive experience. This trait significantly reduces finger fatigue over extended typing sessions, allowing for greater comfort during prolonged use—ideal for gamers or anyone who spends a lot of time on their keyboard. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a mild typing feel with a slightly reduced total travel and a moderate weight. This creates a gentle and approachable experience that is friendly to all users, providing a solid middle-ground that is easy to adapt to but may lack the ultra-light responsiveness of the Ice switch.
Overall, the TTC Ice and Haimu Neo White switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice excels in providing an engaging sound with a remarkably light touch that offers comfort during long typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Neo White provides a balanced sound profile and a gentle feel that makes it suitable for a broader audience. Depending on what you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard experience—be it audio feedback or tactile comfort—both switches can deliver satisfactory results, albeit in different ways. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback and a delightful, clacky sound, the Ice switch may be your best bet. Its feathery feel and 60-gram bottom-out force make it suitable for gamers and typists alike who want a responsive experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, if you seek a more neutral sound profile paired with a slightly smoother keystroke—thanks to its unique Ly stem—the Neo White switch could be the perfect choice. With its 58-gram bottom-out force and mild typing sensation, it's ideal for those who prefer a versatile switch that feels approachable for both work and play. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and a lighter touch, or a balanced, all-around typing experience.
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