TTC Ice vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two interesting options to consider are the TTC Ice and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches. The TTC Ice is a linear switch that boasts a smooth, responsive feel and a delightful bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate speed and fluidity without any tactile bumps. Its striking crystal-clear design adds an aesthetic appeal, allowing for a vibrant RGB display. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that offers a distinct bump at the actuation point, catering to those who prefer a bit of feedback while typing. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and allow users to feel more connected to their keystrokes, which can be particularly beneficial for long periods of writing or coding. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Ice excels in smoothness and visual appeal, while the Maple Leaf shines in offering tactile feedback. 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 Maple Leaf Tactile

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, we see a notable contrast in their construction and resultant sound profiles. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material is advantageous for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature, allowing for a clear resonant experience when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate's clear quality complements RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf features nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon, being softer, tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that provides a deeper auditory experience while typing.

The differences in material properties heavily influence the interaction between sound and user experience within these switches. For the TTC Ice, the polycarbonate housing allows for a sharper auditory response, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced keyclick and vibration upon release. Nylon, used in the Maple Leaf switches, creates a contrasting experience as it dampens sound and creates a fuller typing feedback, which might appeal more to users looking for a softer overall feel. When it comes to the tactile feedback of each switch, users pressing down on the TTC Ice will likely hear the higher-pitched sounds from the bottoming out and release, while those using the Maple Leaf will notice a deeper sound profile that reflects the soft material properties of the nylon.

From a broader perspective, the distinct characteristics of the TTC Ice and Outemu Maple Leaf switches illustrate how the choice of housing material directly impacts their respective audio and tactile experiences. Both switches produce different auditory sensations with a typist's touch, where the polycarbonate amplifies higher frequencies while the nylon absorbs them, emphasizing lower-end sounds instead. For users accustomed to one type, this shift in material can lead to notable preferences based on the sound and feel of typing. In essence, although both switches serve the same functional purpose, the materials employed distinctly shape their identities, demonstrating how varying compositions can produce vastly different user experiences.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The TTC Ice features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, whether at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, but the Ice is the lighter option overall, while the Maple Leaf offers a heftier feel. This distinction allows potential users to choose based on their preferred typing style—either for comfort during prolonged use or for a more robust tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Maple Leaf has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Ice switch the longer option, providing a deeper feel with each keypress, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during use. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance allows for a quicker response time, catering to gamers and users seeking a more rapid action. Given the trend towards shorter travel distances in modern switches, those who favor responsiveness might prefer the Maple Leaf, while those who appreciate a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Ice. Overall, the contrast in their travel distances indicates that user preference plays a crucial role in choosing between these two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to the overall typing experience, providing an auditory cue without being overly loud or disruptive. The clean design of the Ice switch further enhances its acoustic properties, resulting in a pleasant sound profile when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have specific sound qualities detailed, so it remains unclear how it compares in terms of auditory feedback. Generally, tactile switches can produce different sounds depending on their construction and design, which might contribute to a more pronounced sound when the tactile bump is engaged.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice linear switch stands out for its smooth and responsive characteristics, providing a fluid typing experience that is particularly favored in both gaming and day-to-day tasks. The lack of tactile feedback in linear switches promotes a consistent stroke, making them ideal for fast-paced typing. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is not specifically described, leaving its performance and tactile qualities unknown. Tactile switches typically offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction; however, without further information, one cannot draw a definitive comparison.

In conclusion, the TTC Ice linear switch is celebrated for its clear design, smooth feel, and satisfying sound, making it a versatile choice for gamers and typists alike. The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, while lacking detailed information, may present a different experience through its tactile feedback, which is usually preferred by those who enjoy a discernible actuation point. Ultimately, both switches attract specific user preferences, and both could complement a mechanical keyboard setup, with the Ice switch focusing on smoothness and sound, while the Maple Leaf might cater to tactile enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, your choice should be guided by your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing, the TTC Ice linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams allows for a comfortable level of actuation without being too tiring on your fingers over extended periods. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile feedback that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it ideal for typing where you need to feel each key press, then the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch might be more suited to your style. The slightly heavier 65-gram bottom-out force offers a more pronounced feedback that some users find rewarding, particularly for typists who enjoy the tactile sensation in their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: choose the Ice for a smooth and quieter experience, or the Maple Leaf for a tactile and deliberate feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more