TTC Ice vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options—the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch—illustrate the diverse preferences among enthusiasts. The TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth, linear action that provides a responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and fluidity during intense sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch offers a tactile bump at actuation, which gives users clear feedback with each keystroke; this can be particularly advantageous for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience and appreciate the audible click that accompanies their presses. Both switches have their own distinct benefits; while the Ice is designed for seamless and rapid key presses, perfect for fast-paced gameplay, the Dustproof Purple caters to those who prefer tactile engagement and more pronounced feedback when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Outemu Dustproof Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which ensures that both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those who appreciate the nuances of auditory feedback from their switches. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate; this is particularly advantageous for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the light can pass through the housing, enhancing the visual experience. With these similarities in materials, users can expect comparable sound characteristics and visual effects when using either switch.
However, the two switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The TTC Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the sound profile established by its top housing and therefore contributes to a consistent auditory experience that is crisp and clear throughout the full keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic nature absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder auditory response. This contrast means that while the TTC Ice maintains a unity of sound quality, the Outemu Dustproof Purple will deliver a distinctly richer tonal quality on bottoming out, due to the differing acoustic properties of nylon.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch leads to differing tactile experiences and sound profiles. For users who prioritize high-pitched clarity, the TTC Ice presents a harmonious blend of its polycarbonate materials. Meanwhile, for those who enjoy a more muted and rounded key press, the Outemu Dustproof Purple’s nylon bottom housing offers a different auditory sensation, despite its polycarbonate top. Consequently, while both switches may present a familiar sound when pressed down due to their polycarbonate tops, the distinct characteristics of their bottom housings will ultimately provide unique acoustic experiences tailored to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The TTC Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it relatively lighter and suitable for extended typing sessions, which is ideal for users seeking comfort during long periods of use. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel upon keystrokes that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. This means the Ice switch is lighter, while the Dustproof Purple switch is heavier. Consequently, those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged usage would gravitate towards the TTC Ice, whereas those desiring a firmer feedback might opt for the Outemu Dustproof Purple. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to varying user preferences concerning tactile feedback and typing endurance.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the Ice switch, you will experience a shorter distance compared to the more traditional feel provided by the Dustproof Purple. For those who prioritize responsiveness—such as gamers—the shorter travel distance of the Ice switch may be preferable due to its ability to deliver faster key presses. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and depth in your keystrokes, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, with its greater travel distance, may be the better choice. Thus, if the goal is to achieve a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the TTC Ice is your option; whereas the Outemu Dustproof Purple provides a more robust and traditional key feel.
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 Dustproof Purple 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
The TTC Ice linear switch provides a smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound, contributing to a pleasant auditory experience when typing or gaming. Its crystal-clear design also allows for a visually pleasing aesthetic, further enhancing the overall impression of the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch lacks a detailed description regarding its sound profile, leaving it unclear how it compares in this aspect. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound of both switches may be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the user's typing style.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, creating a typing experience that many find enjoyable for both gaming and everyday use. On the other hand, information about the tactile feel of the Dustproof Purple switch is not provided, making it difficult to assess how it compares to the Ice in terms of tactile feedback or overall typing satisfaction. The absence of a tactile description leaves a gap in understanding its performance.
In conclusion, the TTC Ice linear switch offers a well-rounded experience with its smooth feel and satisfying sound, making it suitable for various applications. The Outemu Dustproof Purple, while lacking detailed descriptions for sound and feel, may still possess qualities appealing to certain users. Selecting between these two switches may ultimately depend on individual preferences, as some users might prefer the crystal-clear aesthetic and feel of the Ice, while others could find the character of the Dustproof Purple to meet their specific needs, though specifics on its performance remain unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you lean towards smooth keystrokes and a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switches are ideal, especially if you want a versatile option suitable for both gaming and typing. Their medium actuation force of 60 grams makes them quite accessible while still providing a rewarding typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback during your key presses and prefer a slightly heavier resistance—thanks to the 65-gram bottom-out force of the Dustproof Purple switches—you might find them more satisfying for typing tasks that require precision. Additionally, if you value the tactile feel in your interactions, the Dustproof Purple switch could enhance your overall typing experience. In summary, consider the TTC Ice switches for a smoother, more fluid experience, especially in a mixed usage scenario, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple may be the better choice if tactile feedback and a bit more resistance are what you’re after. Ultimately, your decision should align with what feels right for your typing or gaming habits.
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