TTC Ice vs. Outemu Lotus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and the Outemu Lotus both stand out as popular linear options, but they cater to different preferences and styles. The TTC Ice is renowned for its stunning crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive feel alongside a satisfying bottom-out sound that elevates the typing experience whether you're gaming or tackling everyday tasks. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus has earned recognition for its own unique characteristics, providing a different tactile sensation and performance that may appeal to users seeking an alternative to the TTC offerings. While both switches offer a linear typing experience that minimizes click noise, the choice ultimately hinges on personal taste and usage scenarios. 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 Lotus Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Ice and the Outemu Lotus are exemplary mechanical switches that utilize distinct materials for their housings, significantly influencing their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus opts for a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its softer nature. The softer nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that lacks the sharpness of polycarbonate. This fundamental distinction sets the stage for a contrasting auditory experience between the two switches, showcasing how material choices can shape user interaction and satisfaction.

When examining the bottom housings, the contrast between the two switches remains evident. The TTC Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top counterpart with a similar sharper and crisper sound profile. This consistency across the switch's architecture reinforces the overall auditory experience, making each keystroke resonate clearly. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus forges ahead with a nylon bottom housing, which continues to promote the switch's deeper sound. This disparity in material not only alters the auditory outcome when bottoming out but also contributes to the tactile sensations felt during key presses. The unique porosity and absorption capabilities of nylon create a duller and rounder feel that diverges from the Ice's crisp response.

Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles fostered by the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the TTC Ice and Outemu Lotus underscore the importance of housing materials in mechanical switches. The TTC Ice, with its all-polycarbonate construction, delivers a consistently sharp auditory experience, well-suited for those who favor clarity and brightness in their typing. Conversely, the dual nylon construction of the Outemu Lotus provides a richer, softer sound, catering to users who prefer a more subdued and rounded typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities, individuals can achieve similar results by selecting a switch that meets their sound profile preferences—opting for a polycarbonate design for brightness or a nylon design for a deeper, fuller resonance.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, distinct differences in actuation force and bottom out force become apparent. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light switch category. This means that the Lotus requires less force to activate each key, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the heavier feel of the Ice may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In summary, those seeking a lighter switch for ease of use should opt for the Outemu Lotus, while those who appreciate a firmer push may find the TTC Ice to be more satisfying.

Travel distance

The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch have distinct travel distances that cater to different preferences among users. The Ice switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two options, while the Lotus switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter. This difference means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a more substantial depth to your keystrokes, the Ice would likely be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize faster response times—often favored by gamers—the shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch may suit your needs better. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more robust keystroke or a snappier feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Ice linear switch provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to its premium typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. The clarity of its transparent design reflects well in the acoustics, promoting a pleasing audio feedback when typing. Conversely, there is little information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch, so it remains unknown how it compares in this regard. It’s worth noting that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means that both switches could end up producing a similar auditory experience depending on these external elements.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action. This makes it a favored option among typists and gamers alike, allowing for quick key presses and minimal drag when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Outemu Lotus switch are also unspecified, leaving its feel largely unknown. However, enthusiasts often find linear switches to share a general essence of smoothness, so one could expect that the feel might not be drastically different in practice.

In conclusion, the TTC Ice linear switch stands out with its notable sound and confirmed smooth feel. The Outemu Lotus linear switch, while its qualities remain largely undefined, may still provide a satisfying experience. Overall, you can expect similar outcomes in sound and feel from both switches, particularly if the right keyboard and keycaps are paired with them.

Conclusion

To conclude, when considering whether to choose the TTC Ice linear switch or the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it really comes down to what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, providing a tactile yet controlled response that shines in both gaming and everyday tasks, the TTC Ice will be an excellent choice. Its crystal-clear transparent design not only looks stunning but also delivers a smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound, making typing a pleasure. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Outemu Lotus switch might be ideal, especially if you favor extended typing sessions where fatigue could set in quicker with a heavier switch. Although it may not have the elaborate features of the Ice, the Lotus provides an effortless feel that can be quite desirable. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a more tactile, responsive experience or a lighter, more effortless typing touch, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more