TTC Ice vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Outemu Silent Grey stand out for their distinct characteristics and target users. The TTC Ice, recognized for its crystal-clear transparent design, provides a smooth and responsive linear typing experience, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and everyday typists who appreciate a satisfying bottom-out sound without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer a notable tactile bump combined with a quiet operation, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced feel while typing without disturbing those around them. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference: opt for the TTC Ice if you prioritize a smooth, unimpeded action, or select the Silent Grey to enjoy a more tactile sensation while maintaining a quieter environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a similar sonic characteristic that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisper compared to other materials. This commonality allows users to experience clarity and resonance in keystrokes, resulting in a more vibrant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups. In both switches, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a captivating visual effect while maintaining a consistent sound profile, which will appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics and audio feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, which continues the trend of sharper sound profiles but creates a unified sound throughout the keystroke. This compatibility of materials in both the top and bottom means that the clearer and more resonant qualities of polycarbonate will persist through to the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Grey employs nylon for its bottom housing, providing a softer touch that results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This absorption of sound gives the Silent Grey a distinct auditory quality, making it appealing for users who prefer a quieter, more muted typing experience.
Ultimately, these contrasting bottom housing materials reveal how each switch emphasizes different aspects of sound profile and user feel. While the TTC Ice benefits from a coherent polycarbonate construction that enhances clarity and brightness, the Outemu Silent Grey strikes a balance with nylon that dampens sound, offering a rounder feel when typing. Thus, while both switches may share similarities in their top housing, the differing bottom materials create individual experiences that cater to varying preferences—be it a preference for sharp and vibrant feedback or a more subdued and softer response.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it the lighter option compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to trigger each keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice switch also offers a lower weight at 60 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 65 grams, reinforcing its position as the lighter choice overall. Both switches fall into the medium and medium-heavy categories, respectively, catering to different user preferences for typing experience; those who favor a heavier feel might gravitate towards the Silent Grey for its more substantial resistance. Thus, while both switches provide adequate feedback, users seeking a lighter touch would be better served by the TTC Ice, whereas those who prefer a firmer push should consider the Outemu Silent Grey.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Ice switch provides a slightly shorter travel experience, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Grey's 4 mm travel distance aligns with more traditional preferences, offering a deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying. For those who favor responsiveness and a snappier performance, the TTC Ice would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the Outemu Silent Grey. Ultimately, the contrasting travel distances highlight the diverse preferences among switch users, with the Ice being the shorter and the Silent Grey the longer option.
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 Silent Grey 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 is pleasantly audible without being disruptive, making it an enjoyable option for both gaming and daily use. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed for a quieter experience; it offers a pronounced tactile bump without the accompanying noise commonly associated with tactile switches. This makes the Silent Grey a great choice for environments where noise reduction is important, such as shared workspaces. Ultimately, while the Ice switch has a more noticeable sound, both options can create a pleasant auditory experience depending on your keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive keystrokes, delivering a consistent linear typing experience that encourages quick and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a tactile experience with a distinct bump that communicates actuation. This differentiation in feel caters to different preferences: the Ice is perfect for those who appreciate ease of movement without resistance, while the Silent Grey is ideal for users who seek feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the TTC Ice linear switch offers a smooth, satisfying feel with an audible bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, making it well-suited for a variety of tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch prioritizes a quiet, tactile feedback ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced actuation without the associated noise. Depending on your typing style and environment, both switches can yield satisfying results, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Ice linear switches and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean towards a smoother typing experience with a visually striking design, the TTC Ice switches would be your ideal choice. Their 60-gram actuation force strikes a balance that is conducive for both gaming and general typing, making them versatile for a wide array of activities. Plus, the satisfying bottom-out sound enhances the experience for many users. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback while also valuing a quieter operation, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are the way to go. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 65 grams, they provide a pronounced bump that gives you clear feedback with every keystroke—all while maintaining a serene typing environment. Therefore, if you want to minimize noise without sacrificing that tactile response, the Silent Grey switches would serve you well. In essence, your choice should reflect your prioritization of sound versus feel, as well as the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard most.
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