TTC Ice vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and Outemu Green present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Ice, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, providing a seamless typing experience without tactile bumps or audible clicks, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a fast, uninterrupted action. Its crystal-clear transparent design also adds a visually appealing element to any keyboard setup. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is a clicky option that offers tactile feedback and a distinct auditory sound with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience and the satisfying sound that accompanies it. While players who value speed and precision may lean towards the TTC Ice, those who appreciate auditory feedback and tactile responses might prefer the Outemu Green. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
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 housing materials used in the TTC Ice and the Outemu Green switches exhibit both similarities and differences that greatly influence their acoustic characteristics. Both switches feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a crisper and more resonant auditory experience, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups where the translucency of the material enhances visual effects. This commonality in top housing material suggests that users can expect similar sound characteristics when it comes to the engaging sounds produced during key presses and releases in both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like the top, reinforces the clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Green features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer qualities, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This discrepancy means that while the top ends of both switches provide a comparable auditory experience, the impact of the bottom housing shifts the overall sound signature considerably. The Ice’s polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent brightness in sound, whereas the Green's nylon bottom introduces a rounder, more subdued auditory texture that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials in each switch's construction leads to varied acoustic profiles. As the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, the TTC Ice will offer a consistent, resonant experience throughout, influenced by both top and bottom polycarbonate housings. In contrast, the Outemu Green, with its combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom, will produce a more complex sound palette, merging the sharpness from the top with the warmth of the nylon below. Thus, selecting between these two switches will depend on the user’s preference for sound and feel, as each brings distinct qualities to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Ice features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, where less resistance can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Green requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile feel that some users may prefer for a stronger push sensation during typing. This trend continues with their bottom out forces; the Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Green's heftier 80 grams. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch experience would be better served by the TTC Ice linear switch, while those who favor a heavier feel might opt for the Outemu Green clicky switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, the Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Green measures a longer 4 mm. This difference means that users who favor quicker response times may find the Ice switch advantageous, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Green switch, with its greater travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced feel when typing, though it could feel somewhat less responsive for others. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you favor the rapidity of a shorter distance or the satisfying heft of a longer one.
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 Green 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 is notable for its satisfying bottom-out noise, which adds an element of auditory feedback to your typing experience without being overly jarring. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter environment or are keen on maintaining focus while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch has a more pronounced sound profile, characterized by its clicky feedback that audibly signals each keypress. This clicky sound can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy clear auditory feedback, but it may be disruptive in quieter settings.
In terms of feel, the Ice linear switch excels with a smooth and responsive touch, providing a consistent experience from top to bottom without any tactile bumps. This quality makes it ideal for gamers who rely on fast key presses and transitions. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch offers a tactile experience due to its click mechanism, delivering a distinct feedback that can enhance typing accuracy for users who prefer a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Ice being suited for those who favor fluid motion and the Green for those who appreciate tactile and auditory signals.
In conclusion, both TTC Ice linear switches and Outemu Green clicky switches offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. If you desire a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Ice will serve you well. However, if you seek an audible and tactile feedback, the Green is your go-to choice. Each switch can deliver a satisfying experience in its respective category, and your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you lean towards a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feedback with an audible click, the Outemu Green switch may be better suited for your needs. With a heavier actuation force of 80 grams, it provides a more deliberate typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more impactful keystroke. Summarizing, your decision should reflect whether you prefer a smooth, linear feel or a clicky, tactile feedback, along with considerations of your typing style and comfort level.
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