TTC Ice vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference and intended use play crucial roles in the decision-making process. The TTC Ice switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, paired with a visually appealing crystal-clear transparent design that enhances the aesthetic of any keyboard. This switch is ideal for users who value a quiet typing experience with minimal tactile feedback, making it suited for both gaming and daily typing tasks. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is a clicky switch that delivers a distinctive auditory feedback, characterized by a pronounced click sound with each keystroke. This can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile sensation and auditory confirmation while typing, making it particularly favorable for writers and typists who thrive on feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches reflects the balance between a seamless typing experience and the joy of satisfying clicks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, it becomes clear that their constructions yield distinct auditory experiences. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Outemu Cream Blue utilizes nylon for its top housing. The choice of polycarbonate in the Ice implies a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, as this stiffer plastic resonates more clearly, especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing, a classic material in switch design, provides a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nature, which tends to absorb sound waves, creating a characteristically duller and rounder auditory experience.
Examining the bottom housings further emphasizes the differences between these two switches. The TTC Ice incorporates polycarbonate in its bottom housing too, which similarly contributes to a crisper sound profile. This consistency in housing material across both sections of the switch enhances the overall clarity and brightness of the sound. In contrast, the Cream Blue employs nylon for its bottom housing as well, ensuring that the sound is once again more muted and richer due to nylon's sound-absorbing capabilities. As a result, two switches with completely different bottom and top housing materials create further distinction in feel and auditory output, making each suitable for different user preferences.
When both the top and bottom housings of the same switch consist of different materials, such as in the case of the Ice and Cream Blue, the impact of each housing on the overall typing experience is nuanced. The bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, allowing users to perceive the qualities of the respective materials when they press down on a key. Meanwhile, the top housing's influence is felt more when releasing the key, highlighting its role in the switch's sound profile. This means that while both the TTC Ice and Outemu Cream Blue offer unique auditory characteristics, users can achieve a specific sound experience by selectively combining materials, thus widening the range of potential acoustic outputs while also tapping into personal preferences for sound depth and clarity.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the TTC Ice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Cream Blue. Ultimately, the differences in both actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the TTC Ice is better suited for lighter touch preferences, while the Outemu Cream Blue caters to those who favor a firmer feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that, for users who favor quick response times—such as gamers—the Ice switch may provide a more immediate feel due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, allowing for a deeper keypress that can be more satisfying to some users. Therefore, while both switches serve unique preferences, the TTC Ice offers a shorter, snappier actuation, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue offers a longer, more substantial travel experience.
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 Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 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 smooth and pleasant bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its crystal-clear transparent design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a clean acoustic profile, reducing potential noise bleed from the switch itself. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is likely characterized by a pronounced and satisfying click sound upon actuation, which is favored by typists who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. This clicky sound is distinct, offering a different auditory experience than the Ice switch, creating a more engaging environment for users who appreciate audible cues.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch offers a smooth and responsive experience, allowing for effortless key presses without the tactile bump that some typists prefer. This makes the Ice an excellent choice for gamers who need quick and fluid key actions. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch features a tactile bump along with the click sound, which can provide a more engaging typing experience. The feedback from the Cream Blue adds a level of satisfaction for those who enjoy tactile sensations, making it an appealing choice for typists who seek a more traditional approach to typing.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice linear and Outemu Cream Blue clicky switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, making them ideal for distinct user experiences. The Ice leverages a smooth and satisfying sound profile with a linear feel, while the Cream Blue emphasizes a clicky auditory feedback paired with tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, smoother typing experience or a more tactile and audible response.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience, where subtlety and elegance are key, the TTC Ice switch's medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, offering a premium feel that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and audible feedback with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Cream Blue would be the way to go. Its clicky sound can add a satisfying auditory experience to your typing, which can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate traditional typewriter-like feedback. Ultimately, lean towards the Ice for a smoother, quieter operation, or the Cream Blue for a more tactile and louder typing experience. Each switch offers unique benefits, so assess your typing habits and preferences before making your decision.
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