TTC Ice vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often hinges on the user's preferences for tactile feedback and sound. The TTC Ice, known for its crystal-clear transparent design, boasts a smooth and responsive feel, providing a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday use. Its linear nature means that it lacks tactile bumps and clicky sounds, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback, thanks to their distinct clicky sound and tactile bump that make each keystroke feel engaging and satisfying. This switch design not only enhances the typing experience but also appeals to users who appreciate the nostalgic sound of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a quiet, fluid typing experience with the TTC Ice or a loud, tactile response with the Outemu Milk Blue, both options cater to different styles of use. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, it becomes evident that both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material allows both switches to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of this material enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who want to showcase RGB lighting through their keyboards. Therefore, when it comes to the auditory experience and visual presentation, the Ice and Milk Blue can be expected to produce similar results in terms of clarity and resonance, creating an appealing sound with brighter tones.
However, the bottom housing of the switches diverges significantly in material choice, which has a notable impact on the overall sound profile and typing experience. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that echoes the characteristics of its top counterpart, maintaining a uniform sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue is constructed with a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This difference means that while both switches may share acoustic clarity in the higher frequencies from the polycarbonate tops, the Milk Blue’s nylon bottom offers a contrasting depth, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience.
The distinct characteristics of the bottom housings influence the overall switch performance. With the TTC Ice, the consistent use of polycarbonate leads to a unified sound profile, particularly in terms of the bottom-out feel, as the top and bottom harmonize to create a sharp, resonant sound when a key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom means that users will experience a blend of sound qualities: the top delivers the crispness associated with polycarbonate while the nylon base enriches the lower tones, creating a more complex acoustic experience. As a result, each switch offers unique benefits shaped by their material compositions, ultimately catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we find that the actuation force differs between the two. The TTC Ice requires a moderate actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Milk Blue has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Ice switch is lighter, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. However, the bottom out force is listed for the Ice switch at 60 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is not available, leaving that comparison open. Nonetheless, based on the available data, users seeking a lighter typing experience might gravitate towards the TTC Ice, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel could find the Outemu Milk Blue to be more in line with their preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch differ in their travel distances, with the Ice having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Milk Blue at 4 mm. This makes the Ice the shorter option, appealing to gamers and those seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Milk Blue provides a longer travel distance, which may be favored by users who appreciate a more substantial keypress that offers a hearty depth. While the traditional travel distance is typically around 4.0 mm, the Ice switch's slightly shorter distance illustrates a trend towards quicker actuation, catering to those who prefer a more responsive 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 Milk Blue 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 produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that adds to the premium typing experience, though it might not offer the pronounced click characteristic of some other switches. This can make it appealing for those who prefer quieter operation without sacrificing tactile engagement. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch, identified for its clicky nature, likely delivers a distinctly audible click that is often favored by typists seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. It's important to remember that sound can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's design and chosen keycaps, leading to variability in their overall auditory performance.
When considering the feel of these switches, the TTC Ice switch is recognized for its smooth and responsive characteristics, which makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and daily typing tasks, providing a continuous and fluid experience as fingers move across the keys. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue features a tactile bump followed by a click, contributing to a more textured, engaging feel during typing. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy for users who appreciate feedback with each keypress, although it may not provide the same level of smoothness as the Ice switch.
In conclusion, when comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, each offers distinct advantages depending on personal preferences. The Ice switch provides a quieter, smooth typing experience, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday use, while the Milk Blue offers a tactile, clicky sensation that many typists find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a premium, smooth feel or a pronounced, tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Ice switches would be ideal for you. They provide a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, giving a satisfying feel that works well for both gaming and casual typing, without being overly demanding on your fingers. Additionally, their crystal-clear design enhances the aesthetics of your keyboard, making it a visually appealing choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a pronounced auditory response while typing, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch would be your go-to option. Clicky switches like these offer a distinct sound and a tactile feel that can enhance the typing experience for those who thrive on auditory cues. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you: the smoothness and versatility of the TTC Ice for a balanced typing experience or the tactile and clicky nature of the Outemu Milk Blue for that satisfying sound and feedback. Your choice should align with your typing style and what you find most enjoyable in a keyboard.
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