TTC Ice vs. Outemu Silent White

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and Outemu Silent White provide two distinct options for users seeking a linear experience. The TTC Ice switches are renowned for their dazzling crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive feel accompanied by a satisfying bottom-out sound. This makes them an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike, providing a premium typing experience that stands out. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switches prioritize quiet operation, making them a very appealing option for those who prefer to keep noise levels down, whether in a shared workspace or during late-night gaming sessions. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their unique characteristics can influence the overall experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

Outemu Silent White Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice switch and the Outemu Silent White, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material contributes to a sound profile characterized by its sharpness and clarity. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it promotes a crisper auditory response, allowing for an engaging typing experience that highlights the high-pitched nuances of keystrokes. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also serves an aesthetic function, particularly advantageous for RGB setups, as it enables light to diffuse effectively throughout the housing. Therefore, users can expect similar visual and auditory results when using either switch's top housing, enhancing the overall appeal and functionality in illuminated environments.

In contrast, the materials used for the bottom housings of the TTC Ice and Outemu Silent White differ significantly. The Ice switch continues with the theme of polycarbonate, which maintains the same bright and resonant sound profile as the top housing. This continuity can lead to a cohesive auditory experience during typing, with a sound that remains sharp even when bottoming out. Conversely, the Silent White features a nylon bottom housing, a material known for its softer characteristics. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, creating a more subdued and rounded acoustic output. Consequently, the bottom housing of the Silent White contributes a deeper and fuller sound, diverging from the sharper characteristics found in both top and bottom housings of the TTC Ice.

This differentiation between the materials not only influences the auditory experience but also the tactile feedback when typing. With the TTC Ice using a polycarbonate bottom, typists can expect a bright sound and clear feedback that aligns with the crispness of the top housing, leading to an ensemble effect. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White's combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom results in a juxtaposition of sharpness and fullness; the top delivers a bright sound when releasing a key while the bottom absorbs sound during the bottom-out phase, creating a unique typing experience. Therefore, while both switches may share similar sound profiles in their upper portions, the varied bottom housing materials establish distinct auditory textures that cater to different user preferences.

Weight

The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch exhibit identical specifications in both actuation and bottom out forces, making their performance remarkably similar. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke and have a bottom out force of 60 grams when pressed fully down. This equivalence suggests that users will experience the same level of resistance during typing and gaming with either switch, providing a balanced feel. Given this alignment in force measurements, both switches can accommodate various user preferences: those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions will find the TTC Ice and Outemu Silent White equally suitable, while users seeking a more substantial feel will appreciate the medium push force of both options as well. Hence, no switch is inherently lighter or heavier; they provide a uniform tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Ice switch provides a deeper experience when typing or gaming, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Silent White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference: if you value a more considerable depth in your keystrokes, the TTC Ice would be the better option, whereas the Outemu Silent White caters to those who favor a faster and more responsive feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that complements its smooth actuation, providing an audible feedback that many users find satisfying. Its crystal-clear transparent design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also allows for a bright, crisp sound when the key is fully depressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound characteristics are not well-documented, making it difficult to directly compare the auditory experience. However, since sound can be influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material, users might experience different sound profiles even with the same switch.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice is known for its smooth and responsive actuation, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and fast-paced gaming. The linear nature of this switch provides a consistent keypress without tactile bumps, appealing to those who prefer an uninterrupted glide. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White's feel is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. Nonetheless, as with sound, the overall typing experience can be shaped by the keyboard's design and the keycaps used, so users might find similar levels of satisfaction depending on their setup.

In summary, the TTC Ice linear switch stands out for its pleasant sound and excellent feel, ideal for gamers and typists alike. While the Silent White switch lacks detailed information regarding sound and feel, it’s important to remember that individual experience varies with factors like board and keycap choices. If you're drawn to the TTC Ice for its premium qualities, keep in mind that similar results could potentially be achieved with the Silent White, though the specifics remain uncertain.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, your choice should be informed by your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, and you appreciate the visually appealing transparent design, then the TTC Ice might be the perfect fit for your setup. This switch is versatile enough for both gaming and daily typing, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter option that minimizes noise disruption, particularly in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions, the Outemu Silent White would be a suitable alternative. Although it doesn't have the same distinct visual appeal or sound profile as the Ice, it maintains a similar bottom-out force, ensuring a comparable typing experience without the auditory distractions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize auditory feedback and visual design, which the Ice excels at, or if you need a more muted, noise-reducing option like the Silent White for a peaceful typing environment.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more