TTC Ice vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Outemu Red are both linear options that cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience. The TTC Ice is distinguished by its striking crystal-clear design and a satisfying sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate aesthetics as much as performance. Its responsiveness and the satisfying bottom-out sound enhance the overall typing experience, making it an excellent option for both gamers and daily typists alike. On the other hand, while the Outemu Red lacks standout features in its description, it is still a popular choice for its linear action, providing minimal resistance and a quiet operation. Ideal for users who want a non-disruptive typing environment, the Outemu Red is a solid contender for everyday use. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits: the TTC Ice shines in design and auditory feedback, while the Outemu Red focuses on a quieter, straightforward performance. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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
The TTC Ice and Outemu Red switches both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which yields a pronounced similarity in their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings is well known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This effect is largely attributed to polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant acoustic quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetic of both switches. Consequently, when it comes to the top housing, both switches are designed to yield similar auditory experiences and visual effects, making them great options for users looking for bright, clear sounds that pair well with lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ markedly. The ICE switch utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, giving it that same characteristic crispness associated with its top housing. This combination maintains a consistent sound profile across the entire switch, emphasizing clarity in both the actuation sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a noticeably deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively, creating a rounded auditory experience. The divergence in materials between the top and bottom housings means that while both switches share a bright top-end sound, the Red will provide a richer and more muted depth in its sound profile compared to the Ice.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch contributes to a distinctly different user experience. While the Ice offers clarity and resonance throughout, the Red provides a balanced contrast that enhances the tactile feel upon key press. Therefore, when typing on the Ice, one can expect a sharper sound when pressing and releasing keys, whereas on the Outemu Red, the bottom housing’s sound dampening reacts more to the key press, delivering a softer auditory feedback. This means that even though the top sounds may be similar due to the polycarbonate construction, the overall experience when experiencing the two switches will differ significantly, owing to the contrasting materials in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, both switches exhibit similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ice requiring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Red requires slightly more at 46 grams for actuation and 62 grams for bottoming out. This marginal difference means users will likely experience comparable results when typing or gaming, although the Outemu Red is a tad heavier overall. The lighter TTC Ice switch may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended sessions, making it ideal for work or prolonged gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Red's slightly heavier feel may provide the desired heft for users who appreciate a more substantial tactile response while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we find that the Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red measures 4 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm reflects the trend of shorter travel distances becoming popular among gamers who prioritize fast response times. Those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress might lean towards the Outemu Red, as its 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel compared to the Ice switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes. If you're looking for quick and agile gameplay, the TTC Ice may be the better option; however, if you appreciate the tactile feedback of a deeper press, the Outemu Red is the way to go.
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 Red 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 produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to a more premium typing experience, particularly appreciated in both gaming and everyday use. While the specific sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is not detailed, linear switches generally tend to be quieter than tactile or clicky switches. With the Ice's clear design, the sound may be enhanced by the light reflecting within the switch housing, offering an auditory pleasure that complements its visual appeal. Ultimately, while the Outemu Red may not have specific characteristics outlined, it is expected to have a more subdued acoustic signature, resulting in a quieter operation overall.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action. It is designed to provide a seamless typing experience, allowing users to glide effortlessly from key to key, making it ideal for both typing and gaming situations. On the other hand, while the Outemu Red linear switch lacks specific feel characteristics in the provided information, linear switches typically share the trait of smooth actuation without any tactile bump, which usually results in a similar fluid typing experience to that of the Ice switch. Users can generally expect a comparable feel when using both switch types.
In conclusion, while the TTC Ice linear switch shines with its smoothness, responsive feedback, and pleasing sound profile, the Outemu Red linear switch remains more ambiguous without specific details on its sound and feel. However, given their shared classification as linear switches, one can reasonably anticipate similar performance traits in terms of feel and relatively subdued sound. Selecting between these two options may come down to personal preference and aesthetics, especially considering the Ice’s stunning design, which adds an additional layer to the user experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your priorities in terms of aesthetics, feel, and sound. If you're looking for a visually stunning option with a crystal-clear transparent design, the TTC Ice switch is the way to go. It not only provides a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, making it a comfortable choice for prolonged typing sessions, but it also delivers a smooth, responsive feel alongside a satisfying bottom-out sound that is ideal for both gaming and everyday use. On the other hand, if you're more focused on simplicity and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Outemu Red switch could be a solid choice. While it may not boast the same aesthetic appeal or unique features as the Ice, it still offers a reliable linear feel. In the end, both switches have their merits; if you value a premium experience with enjoyable acoustics, go for the Ice, but if you prefer a straightforward linear switch and user familiarity, the Red will serve you well. Choose based on what aspects are most important for your specific needs in a mechanical keyboard.
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