TTC Ice vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically impact your typing experience, and two popular options worthy of consideration are the TTC Ice and the Outemu Cold Plum, both of which are linear switches. The TTC Ice switches are renowned for their crystal-clear transparent design, offering a smooth and responsive typing feel that is complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a clacky yet feathery typing experience, whether for gaming or daily tasks. In contrast, Outemu Cold Plum switches stand out with their unique thocky sound profile and robust nylon construction, delivering a distinct keystroke that many enthusiasts find enjoyable and satisfying. While the Ice switches are celebrated for their visual aesthetics and versatile performance, the Cold Plum switches are favored for their exceptional auditory feedback and durability. 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

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Ice and Outemu Cold Plum switches incorporate contrasting materials for their housings, fundamentally influencing their acoustic profiles and overall feel during use. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound signature characterized by clarity and resonance. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched tone, making the Ice switches particularly appealing for users who appreciate a crisper sound when typing. This material's translucency also enhances the aesthetic experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved, since it allows for a vibrant display of colors.

In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, yielding a distinctly different auditory experience. Nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder tone. This difference is notable when typing, as the Cold Plum's nylon construction dampens sharp sounds, creating a quieter overall experience. The utilization of nylon, a classic material in switch construction, reflects a preference for a smooth and muted sound, suggesting that the Cold Plum is tailored for those who favor a more subdued auditory feedback when typing.

When comparing the two, the stark differences in materials mean that users will experience varying sound profiles from the two switches. The TTC Ice, with its dual polycarbonate housings, is engineered for clarity and warmth in both the keystroke and release phases, ideal for users desiring a punchy typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum’s nylon housings provide a balanced feel that prioritizes comfort and a deeper acoustic journey, perfect for those who appreciate a smoother, less aggressive typing sound. Despite being different in their compositions, each switch is designed to offer unique typing experiences that cater to specific preferences, and the divergence in material properties ensures that users will encounter distinctly different auditory responses based on their choice.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Cold Plum demands a heavier 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. This distinction means that the Ice switch is the lighter option, making it suitable for extended typing sessions where user fatigue is a concern. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice switch also bottoms out at 60 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 70 grams. Thus, while both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy experience, the Ice is more forgiving for those who prefer a lighter touch, whereas the Cold Plum provides a stronger tactile feeling that may appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the TTC Ice offers a more substantial depth when pressed, which might appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and hearty experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for gamers or those seeking quick response times due to its reduced actuation distance. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Outemu Cold Plum's travel distance has the advantage, whereas those who enjoy a bit more resistance and depth should opt for the TTC Ice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by a clacky quality, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is both crisp and bright. This contributes to an engaging typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate the percussive element of keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch features a thocky sound profile, delivering a deeper, more resonant tone that contrasts with the Ice's higher-pitched clack. This uniqueness adds a layer of enjoyment for enthusiasts who seek a distinct auditory experience while typing or gaming. It's important to note that the overall sound quality can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, which means both switches may yield different results when paired with different setups.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press, thus requiring minimal effort from your fingers. This light actuation force is conducive to reducing finger fatigue, making it an appealing option for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is not specified, leaving its tactile feedback and resistance qualities more ambiguous. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Ice would provide a more comfortable experience over prolonged use.

In conclusion, while both the TTC Ice and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each offer unique benefits. The Ice provides a crisp, responsive auditory experience with an exceptionally light touch, making it suitable for both gaming and regular typing. Meanwhile, the Cold Plum delivers a satisfying thocky sound and a tactile experience that enthusiasts may appreciate, though its exact feel remains unspecified. Depending on your personal preferences, you might find either switch an interesting addition to your mechanical keyboard setup, but the Ice's feather-light actuation sets it apart for those who prioritize comfort and responsiveness.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch that requires less effort to press, resulting in a feathery feel that's particularly conducive to long typing sessions, the TTC Ice is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force and clacky sound profile make it ideal for both gaming and everyday use, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that won't leave your fingers fatigued. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced resistance and a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is the better option with its 70-gram bottom-out force. Its fully nylon construction and distinct typing feel cater to enthusiasts who appreciate a denser keystroke for a more deliberate and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the kind of feedback you value most in your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more