TTC Ice vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the TTC Ice and the Outemu Milk Tea. The TTC Ice, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a stunning crystal-clear design that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. This switch is ideal for gamers seeking fast key presses with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it perfect for both gaming marathons and everyday typing tasks. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea, known for its tactile feedback, offers a distinct 'bump' at the actuation point, providing users with reassuring feedback that enhances typing accuracy and comfort. The tactile nature of the Milk Tea switch appeals to those who enjoy the sensation of each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists and writers. Both switches serve unique preferences and contexts; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, it's evident that both employ different materials that influence their sound profiles in unique ways. The TTC Ice features a top housing made of polycarbonate, known for its stiffer characteristics that produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality results in a sound profile that is particularly clear and resonant, especially when RGB lighting is involved due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea opts for a newer Ly material that also produces a bright sound signature characterized by resonant clacks, suggesting it shares a commitment to delivering an engaging auditory experience. While both materials strive for clarity in sound, the key difference lies in the specific tonal qualities they provide.
Looking at the bottom housings, there is a more pronounced divergence between the two switches. The TTC Ice also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, reinforcing its high-pitched and crisp sound profile across the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea uses nylon for its bottom housing, which is traditionally recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, leading to a more muffled sound that absorbs more noise. This contrast in materials results in different typographical experiences: the TTC Ice emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Milk Tea provides a more rounded and subdued auditory feedback.
The interaction of these top and bottom housing materials ultimately shapes the overall performance and feel of each switch. The TTC Ice’s consistent use of polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings assures a cohesive auditory experience that prioritizes sharpness. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Tea’s mixed material approach, combining the bright Ly material on top and the sound-absorbing nylon below, results in a unique playing field where bright sounds can clash with deeper tones. In essence, while the TTC Ice may favor a clear and pronounced typographical feedback, the Outemu Milk Tea thrives on the complexity of differing materials, creating a diverse auditory and tactile sensation. Understanding these differences, enthusiasts can choose the switch that best suits their preferences for both sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to initial keystrokes, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force differs, as the TTC Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is currently unavailable, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that regard. Generally, the TTC Ice switch's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, without defined specs for the Milk Tea's bottom out, we cannot ascertain how it compares in terms of overall feel and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the TTC Ice is the shorter option, providing quicker actuation, which may benefit gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional feel, catering to those who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the user values responsiveness or a more substantial keypress sensation.
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 Tea 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 is known for its smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound, contributing to an overall pleasant auditory experience during use. The crystal-clear design adds a visual element that can enhance the perception of sound, making each keystroke feel more engaging. On the other hand, there is limited information about the Milk Tea tactile switch, leaving its sound profile largely unknown. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound of a switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build, plate material, and keycap choice, so both switches could yield different results based on these factors.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, which makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, providing users with a consistent and reliable tactile response. This ensures minimal resistance and a seamless keystroke, enhancing the overall performance during intense gaming sessions or long typing periods. The Milk Tea tactile switch, however, does not have any specific feel characteristics available for comparison. Without this information, it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons, but tactile switches typically provide a noticeable bump to indicate actuation, which may appeal to users who prefer feedback over a linear feel.
In conclusion, while the TTC Ice linear switch offers a combination of satisfying sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks detailed information to provide a clear comparison on sound and feel. If you're considering these switches, the Ice's features emphasize a premium experience for users who appreciate smoothness and sound, whereas the Milk Tea's tactile nature may offer a different typing experience, although its specifics remain unclear. In essence, selecting between these two may come down to personal preference and the specific traits that resonate with each individual's typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the TTC Ice linear switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, think about your specific preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience with a noticeable bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch will likely suit you well. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a balanced feel that is suitable for both gaming and everyday use, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a blend of performance and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback while typing and a more engaging typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea switch might be the better choice, as tactile switches tend to give you that satisfying bump to let you know when a key has been actuated. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you want the uninterrupted smoothness of linear switches or the tactile sensation that enhances your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so consider what aspects you value most in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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