TTC Ice vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Outemu Peach offer distinct experiences, each catering to unique user preferences. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its elegant crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel, making it an ideal choice for both gaming enthusiasts and everyday typists who appreciate a satisfying bottom-out sound. This switch promises a premium typing experience that emphasizes clarity and performance. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switches provide a feather-light feel combined with a silenced actuation, making them particularly appealing for those who prefer an ultra-light touch while typing. The muted characteristics of the Peach switch create a subtle but polished typing experience, perfect for users who value quiet operation without sacrificing performance. Both switches represent excellent options for linear switch enthusiasts, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Peach switches, we see a distinct contrast in their top housings; the Ice features a polycarbonate top while the Peach employs nylon. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile; this makes it an ideal candidate for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. The clarity and resonance produced by the polycarbonate can create a more vibrant auditory experience, especially for users who appreciate the aesthetic enhancement of illuminated keys. On the other hand, the nylon top housing utilized by the Peach tends to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This can create a quieter typing environment and a sound profile that some users may find more pleasant or tactile, particularly for extended typing sessions.
Transitioning to the bottom housings, we see both switches include polycarbonate in the Ice's bottom housing, contrasting with the nylon employed in the Peach. The polycarbonate’s rigidity again results in a crisper and more resonant sound, heightening the overall aural feedback when keys are bottomed out. In contrast, the Peach’s nylon bottom housing absorbs sound and promotes a deeper sound profile, emphasizing a softer landing when the switch is engaged. The differing materials in the bottom housing greatly influence the tactile sensation during key presses and the resulting sound feedback. While polycarbonate enhances the clarity, nylon's impact can lead to a muted and rounder experience.
Ultimately, when considering how these material choices affect the typing experience, it is essential to recognize the interaction between both the top and bottom housings. The Ice’s polycarbonate top and bottom create a uniform and sharp auditory profile, emphasizing clarity both on actuation and release. Conversely, the Peach's distinct nylon configurations—both top and bottom—favor a more subdued sound that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. In summary, the Ice appeals to enthusiasts looking for sharpness and visual appeal, while the Peach provides a soft sound and tactile touch, reflecting a broader range of user preferences in mechanical key switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch to the Outemu Peach linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Outemu Peach features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Peach is easier to press, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Ice provides a slightly heavier push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that requires less force for activation and bottoming out, the Outemu Peach is the clear choice, while the TTC Ice offers a medium weight for those who prefer slightly more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, the TTC Ice stands at 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Peach features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Ice switch has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keystroke feel, which some users may prefer for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach's shorter travel distance aligns with the current gaming trend favoring quicker response times and more rapid keystrokes. As such, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Peach may be the better choice. However, for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, the TTC Ice would be more suitable. Ultimately, the selection between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and gaming performance.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 characterized by its satisfying bottom-out sound, providing a premium auditory experience that enhances typing enjoyment. While specific sound descriptors for the Ice switches are not provided, the mention of a “satisfying sound” suggests a pleasant and appealing timbre. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switches excel in producing a sound profile that is both neutral and muted. This means they offer a softer auditory response, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The muted quality of the Peach switches makes them exceptionally suited for quieter environments, such as offices or shared spaces, allowing users to type without drawing excessive attention.
When it comes to feel, the Ice linear switch is noted for its smooth and responsive action, making it a great choice for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Although details on the feel of the Ice switches are limited, the smoothness implies a comfortable experience that might be comparable to the tactile perceptions offered by various other linear switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are described as mild, subtle, and polished. These qualities indicate that Peaches provide a gentle resistance and a refined typing experience with less friction, making them approachable for users looking for a light and smooth touch. The combination of these factors means that while the Ice offers a premium feel, the Peaches cater more to those who prefer a lightweight and quieter touch.
In summary, both the TTC Ice and Outemu Peach switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice switches provide a more premium sound experience with a smooth feel, ideal for users who value audio feedback during typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Outemu Peach switches stand out for their muted sound and light, polished feel, making them perfect for those prioritizing a quiet and gentle typing experience. Depending on your specific needs for sound and feel, either switch could provide an enjoyable experience, but the characteristics of each will shape your overall satisfaction differently.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch will largely depend on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a more substantial feel while typing and prefer a switch that offers a balanced middle-ground experience suitable for both gaming and daily tasks, then the Ice switch may be ideal for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures a satisfying response during use and yields a more pronounced bottom-out sound that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, near-featherweight typing experience, the Outemu Peach should be your go-to. With a 50-gram bottom-out force, the Peach offers a muted, soft sound profile that minimizes noise, making it perfect for shared environments or late-night typing sessions without disturbing others. Additionally, the Peaches provide a polished and subtle feel, making them approachable for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a robust and responsive typing feel with the Ice or a whisper-quiet and gentle experience with the Peach, both options can cater to different typing styles and environments effectively.
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