TTC Ice vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence both your typing experience and performance. The TTC Ice switch stands out with its crystal-clear transparent design, providing not only an aesthetically pleasing look but also a smooth and responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers and casual users alike. Its satisfying bottom-out sound enhances the tactile experience, making each keystroke enjoyable. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch prioritizes quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. Both switches offer linear actuation, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Ice and Outemu Silent Ocean comes down to your personal preferences, whether you value the Ice's premium feedback and sound or the Silent Ocean's tranquility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, the most notable similarity lies in their top housing materials, both of which are made from polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, characterized by a clarity and resonance that enhances the overall auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting features, making these switches visually vibrant and appealing. Consequently, users can expect a similar sound quality and aesthetic outcome from the top housing of both switches, regardless of the differences in their bottom housings.
In contrast to the polycarbonate used in their top housings, the TTC Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Outemu Silent Ocean opts for nylon. The nylon bottom housing is known for its softer properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate. In practical terms, this means that while the TTC Ice may produce a clearer sound overall, the Silent Ocean can offer a richer, more muted auditory experience when keys are fully pressed down. This distinction in bottom housing material will profoundly impact how each switch performs in terms of tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics during key presses.
Overall, the differences in bottom housing materials ultimately create a contrasting sound experience for these two switches. While the top housings of both switches provide similar high-pitch clarity, the TTC Ice’s polycarbonate bottom contributes to a more pronounced sound profile, whereas the nylon bottom of the Silent Ocean generates a mellower tone. Users who value a sharper auditory feedback may prefer the Ice, while those who enjoy a rounder and fuller sound may gravitate towards the Silent Ocean. The combination of these unique materials results in switches that, while similar in some respects, can cater to different preferences in sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence typing and gaming experiences. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in that regard, which may appeal to users who prefer a gentler touch for prolonged typing sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ: the TTC Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Outemu Silent Ocean's is slightly heavier at 65 grams. This means that while both switches require the same initial force to activate, the Outemu Silent Ocean offers a more substantial resistance when fully pressed, catering to those who prefer a firmer feel. Therefore, users looking for a lighter overall experience may lean towards the TTC Ice, whereas those who favor a more robust typing sensation may find the Silent Ocean more appealing due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Ice switch offering a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The TTC Ice's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean’s longer travel distance is better suited for those who appreciate a more substantial depth and tactile feedback, which can enhance the typing experience for some users. Thus, for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the TTC Ice would be the better choice, while the Outemu Silent Ocean would cater to those who enjoy a deeper keypress.
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 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 produces a satisfying bottom-out noise that adds a pleasant auditory element to your typing experience. While it is not excessively loud, the crisp sound helps convey feedback without being distracting. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed for minimal noise, focusing on a quieter operation to accommodate environments where sound is a concern. The sound characteristics of these switches can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but generally, if you prefer an audible yet refined experience, the Ice is a solid choice, while the Silent Ocean caters to those seeking discretion.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch offers a smooth and responsive typing experience that many users find enjoyable. This linear switch transitions effortlessly from the top to the bottom without any tactile bumps, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing alike. Meanwhile, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remains unspecified, which leaves some uncertainty about its performance. However, if it follows the typical characteristics of other silent linear switches, it likely aims for a subdued, smooth experience similar to the Ice, possibly with a slightly softer bottoming out to enhance quietness.
In conclusion, the TTC Ice linear switch stands out with its clear sound and smooth feel, providing a high-quality typing experience that suits both gamers and casual users. The Silent Ocean, while lacking detailed descriptions, is likely designed for quieter operation, appealing to those who need to minimize sound in their typing environments. If you're leaning towards a more engaging auditory experience, the Ice is your go-to, whereas if silence is your priority, you may find the Silent Ocean more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer their respective benefits that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound and don’t mind a subtle auditory feedback, the TTC Ice is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience that’s well-suited for long typing sessions as well as gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silent Ocean may be more to your liking, especially if you seek a keyboard that prioritizes quieter operation or if you're in a shared space. While the Silent Ocean may not have standout features, its medium-heavy actuation can provide a more deliberate typing experience that some users find preferable for typing and gaming alike. Therefore, consider your typing style, ambient noise level, and whether you prioritize sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches.
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