TTC Ice vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The TTC Ice switch is renowned for its crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a premium typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound—ideal for both gaming and everyday use. It is characterized as "clacky" and "feathery," emphasizing its snappy response and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quieter yet still engaging typing experience, thanks to its tactile bump and "thocky" sound. This switch, part of Outemu's silent tactile lineup, features a unique translucent yellow housing and is optimized for an uninterrupted environment, making it preferable for those who work in quieter spaces or for gamers who need to minimize noise. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you're seeking the loud and lively feedback of the Ice switch or the muted yet tactile response of the Silent Yellow Jade. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, it becomes evident that they each utilize different plastics, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which enables a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, allowing for clear and higher-pitched auditory feedback that is particularly vibrant when equipped with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for its housing materials, which are known for absorbing sound and producing a deeper and rounder auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a more muted sound profile, creating a sense of fullness and depth that contrasts with the crispness of the Ice's polycarbonate.
The differing characteristics of the materials not only affect the sound profile but also influence the tactile feedback users experience during typist interactions. When typing on the TTC Ice, the sharper sound from the polycarbonate housing can enhance the sensation of each keypress, giving a more precise and articulate response as typists release the keys. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, with its nylon construction, delivers a more subdued auditory experience, leading to a softer typing sound that can be more pleasant in quieter environments. This difference illustrates how the material choice in switch housing affects not just the sound, but also the overall typing experience, wherein the impact of typing on switches made of nylon might feel less jarring.
In terms of performance, one can expect that both switches will provide satisfying results, but the distinct housing materials create a unique experience for the end user. If someone enjoys the vibrancy and clarity that the TTC Ice's polycarbonate provides, they may find similar satisfaction in the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade's nylon composition, albeit with a completely different tonal quality. The physical impacts of each material are split between the top and bottom housings, with the Ice's high-pitched sound begging for attention, while the Yellow Jade’s full-bodied audio might appeal to those preferring a more relaxed typing session. Ultimately, your preference for sharper or rounder sounds will guide your choice between the two, despite both switches providing effective performance in mechanical keyboard applications.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Ice switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches exhibit a medium to medium-heavy feel, with the Ice switch reaching a bottom-out force of 60 grams, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly higher bottom-out force of 65 grams. This distinction means that while both switches provide a solid typing experience, users seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade due to its heavier forces. In summary, the TTC Ice is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a heavier push feel, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we see that the Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Ice switch provides a fuller keypress experience, which some users may prefer for its depth, while the Silent Yellow Jade, with its shorter distance, may offer a more responsive feel favored by gamers looking for quick actuation. Therefore, those who prioritize a tactile and slightly deeper keypress might gravitate towards the Ice switch, while those who lean towards rapid response times may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade. Overall, the Ice switch is the longer option, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for users seeking faster performance with its shorter travel distance.
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 Jade 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 delivers a clacky sound profile that produces a bright and percussive response with each key press. This sharp and snappy audio feedback can enhance the overall typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate an auditory element in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a more subdued auditory experience characterized by a muted sound profile accompanied by a thocky quality. This combination results in a pleasant, deep sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments while still providing satisfying feedback.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is designed to be feathery light, allowing for quick and effortless key presses. This low exertion requirement is beneficial for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue and allows the user to type comfortably for long periods. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch presents a sharp tactile experience with a pronounced bump that offers clear feedback on actuation. This strong tactile response can enhance accuracy while typing, providing a satisfying sensation that pushes back against the finger, making each keystroke distinctly felt.
In conclusion, both switch types present unique qualities suitable for different preferences. The Ice switch shines with its bright and clacky sound, along with a light touch that makes for less strain during prolonged use. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade excels with its muted yet thocky acoustics and sharp tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a subtler sound while still enjoying a pronounced tactile sensation. Ultimately, although both switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they each provide a satisfying and responsive experience tailored to distinct typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth, feathery feel with a clearer sound profile, the TTC Ice switch is likely your best bet. Its medium bottoming-out force of 60 grams makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether you're gaming or handling work tasks, and its clacky acoustics can add a lively atmosphere to your setup. On the other hand, if you are in search of a more tactile experience with a slightly heavier feel and desire a quieter operation, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more suitable. With its medium-heavy 65 grams of actuation force, this switch delivers a satisfying thocky sound and offers a sharp tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer audible feedback without the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. By assessing your personal preferences for sound, feel, and use case scenarios, you'll be able to make a more informed decision between these two engaging switch types.
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