TTC Ice vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and the Outemu Crystal Brown stand out as two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its sleek, transparent design and smooth linear action, delivering a satisfying and silent typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for its responsiveness and premium feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile feedback that provides a noticeable bump during key presses, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience and want to feel each keystroke without relying on audible clicks. While the Ice is perfect for users seeking speed and fluidity, the Crystal Brown caters to those who prefer tactile satisfaction in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Outemu Crystal Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to similar sound profiles characterized by sharp, high-pitched, and crisp auditory feedback. This common material choice allows both switches to produce resonant sounds that are particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances illumination effects. Given this similarity, users of both switches can expect a responsive and clear acoustic experience when typing, with the top housing providing a significant impact on the sound profile when keys are released.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the TTC Ice and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the stiffer characteristics that contribute to a clear sound experience. This consistency reinforces the bright sound nature of the Ice switch. Conversely, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a softer and more muted sound profile, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when keys are bottomed out. This divergence in material use results in distinct tactile experiences, with the Ice maintaining sharper note clarity while the Crystal Brown presents a more cushioned approach.
The differences in bottom housing materials ultimately define the typing experience, splitting the auditory qualities and tactile feedback between the two switches. With the TTC Ice, users can anticipate a more even sound profile due to the uniform use of polycarbonate, while the Outemu Crystal Brown will deliver a more varied experience influenced by its nylon base. Therefore, while the Ice excels in resonance and clarity, the Crystal Brown offers a rounded typing experience, highlighting the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when choosing the ideal switch for individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same effort to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ: the TTC Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Outemu Crystal Brown registers at a lighter 55 grams. This difference indicates that the Ice switch feels slightly heavier overall during the actuation process, making it potentially less comfortable for prolonged typing sessions compared to the lighter feel of the Crystal Brown. Consequently, users seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the heavier push of the Ice switch, while those looking for a lighter and more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means the TTC Ice is better suited for those who prefer a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance quick keystrokes, particularly beneficial in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses, resulting in a less abrupt experience. Overall, if users are seeking a more rapid response, the Ice switch would likely yield that, while those favoring a traditional and hearty feel would find the Crystal Brown more to their liking.
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 Crystal Brown 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch delivers a premium typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances its overall appeal. The transparent design not only looks striking but also contributes to an acoustically pleasing environment while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown's sound profile is not specifically detailed, which suggests that its auditory characteristics may vary significantly depending on the typing surface and keycap materials used. However, due to the tactile nature of the Crystal Brown, it is likely that it would produce a more pronounced sound at the actuation point compared to the Ice's smooth operation.
When it comes to feel, the Ice linear switch is renowned for its smooth, responsive action that allows for quick key presses without interruption, making it an excellent choice for rapid gaming and seamless typing. The Ice switch aims to provide a fluid keystroke that users enjoy. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, being a tactile switch, features a noticeable bump during actuation, which provides haptic feedback to users and can enhance typing accuracy. While the Ice offers a slick experience, the Crystal Brown caters to users who prefer tactile cues while typing.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch bring unique attributes to the table, catering to different user preferences. The Ice is designed for those who appreciate a smooth, quiet experience with audible feedback upon bottoming out, making it suitable for gaming and typing alike. Conversely, the Crystal Brown offers the unique tactile sensation that engages users who rely on physical feedback for typing accuracy. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the smooth linear feel of the Ice or the tactile feedback of the Brown, both switches promise a satisfying experience, and individual preferences will guide your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth and responsive keypress with a touch of auditory satisfaction, the TTC Ice is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram actuation force strikes a balance between comfort and control, making it a great option for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress and a more tactile feedback without an overwhelming sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown could be more suitable. Weighing in at only 55 grams, it offers a gentler touch that can be appealing for long typing sessions, particularly if you appreciate the distinct bump that tactile switches provide. In the end, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a smooth linear experience or a tactile sensation paired with a lighter actuation force.
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