TTC Ice vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its striking crystal-clear design and delivers a smooth, responsive tactile feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it a prime choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate both aesthetics and performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are engineered for quiet operation, providing a more subdued typing experience, which is ideal for those who seek to minimize noise in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they excel in different areas: the TTC Ice shines in its visual appeal and auditory feedback, whereas the Silent Yellow focuses on silent performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This shared characteristic results in a remarkably sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, allows sound to resonate more clearly, giving users an enhanced auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, making these switches particularly attractive for users seeking aesthetic compatibility alongside performance. Since both switches capitalize on the acoustic properties of polycarbonate in their upper housing, users can expect similar auditory feedback when pressing keys, particularly in terms of the sound produced during key release.
However, the differences emerge notably in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The TTC Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the crisp and clear sound profile established by the top housing. This creates a more uniform auditory experience across both parts of the switch, ensuring that the tactile sensation and sound when bottoming out are consistent and vibrant. In contrast, the Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs more sound compared to the polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience that contrasts with the sharper sounds from the upper housing. Consequently, while both switches may offer a pronounced sound when key pressed, their overall auditory character will feel distinct due to the different materials used in their lower housings.
When pressing the switches, the user will experience the combined effect of both the top and bottom housings. The TTC Ice delivers a cohesive sound profile where the crispness of the polycarbonate is felt in both the key press and release. By comparison, the Outemu Silent Yellow will exhibit a duality in auditory sensation: the upper housing provides clarity, while the nylon bottom housing dampens that sound, creating a unique typing experience. In shorter terms, the TTC Ice may be perceived as more bright and punchy, due to its consistent material across both housings, while the Silent Yellow presents a more round and muted characteristic, thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches utilize their respective material properties to create distinctive auditory experiences for their users.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch exhibit identical specifications in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both having an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience across both switches, providing a consistent feel and response during use. Since both switches have the same actuation and bottom out forces, they cater equally well to both preference groups: those who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions and those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel without the added strain. Overall, neither switch is lighter or heavier than the other, as they are perfectly matched in their specifications.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch differ in their travel distances, which affect the overall typing experience. The TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option of the two, while the Outemu Silent Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, giving it a more traditional and deeper feel. This difference in travel distance can influence user preference significantly; gamers might favor the TTC Ice for its quicker response time due to the shorter distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke might lean towards the Outemu Silent Yellow for its greater depth. If you prefer a switch that provides a concise and prompt actuation, the TTC Ice would be the ideal choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow would be preferable for those who value a more tactile and deliberate typing experience.
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 Yellow 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 is known for its smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile elements in their typing experience. The clear design of the Ice also contributes to a sharp, crisp sound profile that can evoke a sense of quality, tailored for both gamers and typists alike. The Silent Yellow switch, while lacking specific information, hints at its name suggesting a quieter operation, which may characterize it as less pronounced in terms of sound, ideal for environments that favor minimal noise.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switches are celebrated for their smooth operation without any scratchiness, providing an overall satisfying experience when typing or gaming. They provide consistent actuation throughout the keypress, allowing for fluidity and comfort during extended usage. The Silent Yellow, although specific tactile feedback details are not provided, is implied to focus on a silent operation. This could suggest a softer touch for users who wish to minimize distractions while still benefiting from the linear switch characteristics that many enthusiasts enjoy.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches serve distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Ice delivers an engaging auditory experience coupled with smooth feel, ideal for those who appreciate sound in their typing. The Silent Yellow may not provide as much feedback in terms of sound quality but likely excels in creating a quieter typing environment. Depending on your needs, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Ice catering to those who enjoy acoustic feedback and the Silent Yellow appealing to users seeking discretion.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and environment. If you’re looking for a visually appealing switch that offers a blend of smoothness and a satisfying acoustic profile, particularly for both gaming and daily typing, the TTC Ice is likely your best bet. Its crystal-clear design and pleasant bottom-out sound enhance the aesthetic and auditory experience, making typing feel more luxurious. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience—perhaps due to working in an office or living with others—then the Silent Yellow switches may be more suited to your needs. While both switches have a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the lack of noise from the Silent Yellow can help maintain a peaceful environment without compromising on a smooth tactile feel. Ultimately, consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard to choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and surrounding circumstances.
Mentioned in this article
