TTC Ice vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Ice and the Outemu Ocean can significantly impact your typing experience, depending on your preferences. The TTC Ice, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky-smooth keystrokes and an appealing bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value quick, uninterrupted input. Its striking transparent design adds an aesthetic appeal to any setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, known for its tactile feedback, caters to users who appreciate a noticeable bump at actuation, enhancing typing precision and providing satisfying feedback for each keystroke. This switch is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional typing sensation reminiscent of classic mechanical switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Outemu Ocean switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which allows for a comparable sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The polycarbonate material in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, resulting from its relatively stiff nature. This characteristic leads not only to a clearer and more resonant audio experience but also enables enhanced RGB lighting effects due to the translucency of polycarbonate. As a result, users can expect to achieve similar auditory and visual benefits when utilizing either switch, emphasizing the importance of top housing materials in determining the overall performance in terms of sound quality and lighting aesthetics.
In contrast, the bottom housing composition of these switches diverges significantly: the Ice employs polycarbonate, while the Ocean opts for nylon. This difference in materials greatly affects the resulting sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom of the Ice contributes to a sharper sound that echoes the qualities of its top housing, creating a cohesive auditory experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Ocean absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, generating a deeper, fuller sound profile. This means that users of the Ocean will experience a more rounded audio character, whereas those using the Ice will enjoy a sound that aligns more closely with the high-pitched profile produced by its top housing.
When considering the overall impact of housing materials on the switch's sound and feel, it’s essential to recognize how each element contributes to the user experience. In the TTC Ice, the synergy between the polycarbonate top and bottom housings fortifies the sharper sound profile, especially when bottoming out and releasing the key. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean's disparate housing materials imply that the sound and feel characteristics will be distinctly divided. The nylon bottom absorbs sound and creates a softer profile, while the polycarbonate top still retains clarity and brightness when keys are released. As such, users can expect each switch to produce a unique tactile and auditory experience informed by its specific material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and suitable for prolonged typing sessions, whereas the Outemu Ocean features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a clear indication of the resistance felt when pressing the key all the way down. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean's bottom out force is unavailable, leaving users without a definitive measure for this aspect. As such, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the TTC Ice switch, while those who prefer a heavier push feel might opt for the Outemu Ocean, despite the lack of bottom out force information.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Ice measuring 3.6 mm and the Ocean at 4.0 mm. This makes the TTC Ice the shorter option, which caters to users who prefer a more responsive feel, particularly favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, with its longer 4.0 mm distance, offers a more pronounced depth, which can provide a satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke. In summary, if you favor quick responses, the TTC Ice is ideal, whereas the Outemu Ocean is better suited for those who enjoy a noticeable key travel.
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 Ocean 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 delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound that many users find pleasant. This contributes to a more enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate an auditory feedback during use. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch, however, does not have a specific sound profile detailed, making it difficult to ascertain its acoustic characteristics in comparison to the Ice. It's crucial to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap choices, which can further mediate the overall auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, making it suitable for rapid typing or gaming maneuvers. This seamless feel allows for quick actuation and enhances the overall typing effectiveness. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remains unspecified, which leaves a gap in understanding the tactile feedback it may provide. The tactile switch could potentially deliver a different, more pronounced feedback experience, but without more information, a direct comparison is not possible.
In summary, the TTC Ice linear switch offers a clear advantage in sound with its satisfying auditory feedback and a smooth typing feel that is well-regarded for various uses. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch, while lacking specific information on sound and feel, may still appeal to those looking for a tactile typing experience, but its qualities remain uncertain. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, especially if one is undecided between the smooth linear feel of the Ice or the potential tactile response of the Ocean.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing demands. If you're seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying sound, particularly for gaming and everyday use, the TTC Ice is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a comfortable action without being too forceful, making it versatile for various tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feel that gives you a distinct physical bump during keypresses, you would likely gravitate towards the Outemu Ocean. Although the specific bottom-out force is not stated, tactile switches inherently provide feedback that some typists find rewarding. If you enjoy feeling the point of actuation and prefer a switch that emphasizes the typing experience over pure speed, the Ocean would be suitable for you. Ultimately, let your typing style and preference for either smooth linear movement or tactile feedback guide your choice between these two distinct switches.
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