TTC Ice vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Cherry Nixie stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive feel that makes it ideal for both gaming and everyday typing. Its satisfying bottom-out sound further adds to a luxurious feel, making it a popular choice among those who prioritize aesthetics and performance. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are revered for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, offering a traditional yet modern feel thanks to Cherry's updated MX2A materials. The low-pitched thocky sound profile adds depth to each keystroke, catering to users who enjoy a more tactile connection with their keyboard. While both switches provide enjoyable linear action, they cater to different preferences in design and acoustic feedback. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and Cherry Nixie switches, a notable distinction lies in the choice of plastics used for their top and bottom housings. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its stiffer properties. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to produce a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, the differences in sound profiles and typing sensations can be attributed to the materials' inherent characteristics.
The implications of using these differing materials directly influence the performance and aesthetic appeal of the switches. Because the TTC Ice’s polycarbonate housing is translucent, it is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to pass through effectively and create vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie’s nylon housing, while simpler in terms of light transmission, offers a classic and understated aesthetic that may appeal to typists who prefer a more traditional appearance. Additionally, the clear and resonant nature of polycarbonate lends itself well to a more pronounced acoustics effect, while the nylon material dampens vibrations to create a more muffled sound, catering to different user preferences.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences between the TTC Ice and Cherry Nixie. While the Ice delivers a sharp, clear sound profile suitable for those who enjoy a more aggressive acoustic feedback, the Cherry Nixie offers a warmer, more muted experience for typists preferring a softer touch. If users seek compatibility in sound characteristics, they can replicate similar results by choosing configurations that mix and match polycarbonate and nylon components; however, they must be mindful of how each material's properties contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, as the top and bottom hosing together create a hybrid experience that may differ significantly from those found in switches utilizing uniform materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that is suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to press the keys. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie boasts a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. While both switches effectively engage when pressed, the Ice switch may appeal to users who prioritize comfort during extended periods of use, whereas the Nixie may attract individuals seeking a more tactile and resistant feedback from their keyboard. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch should opt for the TTC Ice, while those who favor a heavier switch should go for the Cherry Nixie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, the Ice features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the TTC Ice may provide a more responsive feel, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation and rapid key presses. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience and find shorter distances too abrupt. Therefore, if you're looking for enhanced responsiveness, the TTC Ice would be the better choice, while the Cherry Nixie might satisfy those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound, providing users with a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. This distinguishes it from the Cherry Nixie switch, which is known for its thocky and low-pitched resonance, delivering a deep, rich sound that feels substantial and satisfying. While both switches offer appealing sound signatures, the Nixie's deeper thock may cater more to users who appreciate a rich auditory experience, while the Ice is better suited for those who favor a more subdued, yet crisp sound.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Ice is celebrated for its smooth and responsive characteristics, creating a seamless typing experience that is advantageous for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie offers a textured feel, featuring noticeable friction as keys are pressed, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile experience. The Ice leverages its smoothness for a fluid typing action, while the Nixie's textured finish provides a distinct sensation that some typists may find preferable based on their individual typing styles.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Cherry Nixie linear switches have their unique attributes that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ice provides a premium typing experience with its clean sound and smooth action, making it versatile for a variety of tasks. Meanwhile, the Nixie presents a nostalgic and tactile typing experience, characterized by its deep, thocky sound and textured feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your individual preferences—whether you prioritize a smooth and subtle typing experience or a rich, textured sensation with a satisfying sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, your decision should ultimately reflect your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a medium actuation force for a smooth, responsive feel along with a satisfying and clear bottom-out sound, the Ice switch will likely provide you with a delightful typing experience that caters to both gaming and daily tasks. Its transparent design can also add a visually striking element to your keyboard, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate aesthetics alongside performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and enjoy a textured, thocky sound profile, the Nixie switch is an exceptional option. The substantial heft and rewarding typing experience make it ideal for typists who relish a tactile feedback and prefer a more traditional switch feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with whether you value a smoother, lighter touch or a more pronounced, textured experience, alongside the sound profile that best suits your auditory preferences.
Mentioned in this article
