TTC Ice vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Ice and the Outemu Cream Yellow can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice switch, renowned for its smooth and linear characteristics, offers a crystal-clear design that not only looks sleek but also provides a consistently responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes, whether for gaming or everyday tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch embodies tactile feedback, presenting a notable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback for users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences—linear for smoothness and tactility for feedback—understanding their unique features can help you make an informed decision. 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 Cream Yellow Tactile

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Ice and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches utilize different materials for their housing, which results in distinctive auditory characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic notably enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer an articulate typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate offers a visual advantage when integrating RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch tops.

In stark contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer material that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more rounded auditory experience. Its inherent ability to dampen noise results in a typing sensation that many users find to be warmer and more satisfying. While the bottom housing of the Cream Yellow is also made from nylon, it means that the switch's characteristics will differ significantly from the sharper sound profile of the Ice. Thus, the Cream Yellow switches prioritize a richer and more subdued acoustical experience compared to the crisp articulation offered by the TTC Ice.

When considering how these differences play out in practice, it is essential to note that the varying materials influence the sound produced both when pressing down on the keys and when releasing them. The TTC Ice's polycarbonate housings will emphasize clarity and brightness when bottoming out and releasing, while the Cream Yellow’s nylon housings will contribute to a plush and muffled sound, especially during the actuation. Therefore, despite both switches being designed for performance, the differing materials lead to distinct auditory results, making the choice between them largely dependent on personal auditory preferences and desired tactile sensations.

Weight

The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch share identical specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring a force of 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience regarding the required force for registering a keystroke and pressing the switch down fully. Since both switches exhibit medium weight characteristics, they appeal to a broad audience: those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions will find them suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel will also appreciate the balance provided by the medium forces. Consequently, either switch would fit seamlessly into a versatile keyboard setup, depending on the user's personal preference for typing feel and endurance during extended use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find that the TTC Ice switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the TTC Ice offers a more pronounced depth with each key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback, resembling the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm travel distance caters to players seeking quicker response times, which is advantageous for gaming situations. Consequently, if one prioritizes rapid actuation and responsiveness, the Cream Yellow would be the preferred option; whereas those who appreciate a more developed press may favor the TTC Ice switch. Overall, while both switches serve different user preferences, they highlight the ongoing trend of shorter travel distances in modern keyboard design.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Ice linear switch is well-regarded for its satisfying bottom-out sound, which helps enhance the overall typing experience. Its crystal-clear design not only contributes to its visual appeal but potentially allows for a more resonant auditory quality. Unfortunately, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are unspecified, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch can be greatly influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used. Hence, while the Ice delivers a pleasant auditory experience, the Cream Yellow's sound remains an unknown variable.

When it comes to feel, the Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive performance, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. It provides a seamless transition during key presses, allowing for quick actuation without any obstructions. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Cream Yellow switch is not detailed either, leaving an uncertainty in how it compares. If the Cream Yellow switch has a tactile bump, it would provide a different experience from the linear nature of the Ice switch, emphasizing a more tactile feedback designed for typists who prefer a noticeable indication of actuation.

In summary, while the TTC Ice linear switch offers a clear advantage in both sound and feel with a well-defined auditory signature and a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Cream Yellow's characteristics remain less documented, especially regarding its sound and tactile feedback. If you're looking for a reliable and satisfying typing experience with known qualities, you would likely find the Ice switch more appealing. However, if you are drawn to the intrigue of the Cream Yellow, be prepared for the possibility of an experience that may diverge from traditional linear or tactile responses.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for tactile feedback and acoustics in your typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth, linear feel and enjoy a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch would be an excellent fit for both gaming and daily typing tasks. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams ensures that you have enough resistance for precise keystrokes without feeling overly stiff. Conversely, if you prefer tactile feedback that provides a noticeable bump with each keypress, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch may be the better option. Although it lacks specific sound and feel descriptions, it typically delivers a tactile experience that many typists appreciate for its feedback—making it ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel. In selecting the right switch, consider whether you lean towards a smooth, linear action or a tactile bump for better typing gratification. Your personal preference for sound and feedback will guide you toward the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more