TTC Ice vs. Outemu Spring Breeze

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options worth comparing are the TTC Ice, a linear switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their crystal-clear transparent design and smooth, responsive feel, providing a premium typing experience that appeals to both gamers and typists alike. They boast a satisfying bottom-out sound and are often described as "clacky" and "feathery," making them ideal for those who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switches are distinguished by their unique construction, featuring a nylon housing and a POM stem that delivers a deeper sound profile than typical clicky switches. This makes them particularly attractive for users who enjoy audible feedback while typing, offering a tactile sensation that many find satisfying. Both switches cater to different preferences; the TTC Ice may be more suited for those who prioritize a smooth, linear feel, whereas the Spring Breeze appeals to those who love the nostalgic audio feedback of a classic clicky switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, significant differences emerge in how they contribute to the overall sound profile and tactile experience. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This material is associated with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate further accentuates RGB lighting effects, making this switch particularly appealing for users seeking visual as well as auditory enhancement. In stark contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze features nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, generates a fuller and deeper sound profile that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Consequently, users who prioritize a boomy sound signature might gravitate towards the Spring Breeze for its rich tonal qualities.

While both switches incorporate distinct materials for their housings, the interaction between the top and bottom components of each switch determines the final auditory characteristics when a key is pressed and released. In the case of the TTC Ice, its polycarbonate construction will dominate both the bottom-out sound and the sound upon release, ensuring a consistent crisper auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze will present a more subdued sound quality during both phases due to nylon's sound-dampening properties. Thus, if a user appreciates auditory clarity, they may find the TTC Ice to be more appealing, whereas those who prefer a softer sound might favor the Spring Breeze.

Despite these differences, the methodologies for producing satisfying auditory feedback are similar in both switches. Each switch's design takes advantage of the unique properties of its materials to enhance user experience. Whether it is through the polycarbonate's resonant qualities in the TTC Ice or the deep tonal characteristics of the nylon in the Spring Breeze, both switches ultimately cater to different sonic preferences. Thus, users can achieve a satisfying sound experience tailored to their needs, whether aiming for crispness or a warmer, fuller sound.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Outemu Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Spring Breeze the lighter option, appealing to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged use, such as during lengthy work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the heavier forces of the TTC Ice might attract users who favor a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, while both switches provide medium forces, the differences in their specifications suggest that if you choose the TTC Ice, you'll experience a firmer typing sensation compared to the more delicate feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the TTC Ice measures at 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Ice switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times and may feel more suitable for gamers who prefer rapid actuations. Conversely, the Spring Breeze, with its longer 4 mm distance, may provide a more substantial feeling when pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the TTC Ice would be the better option, whereas if you value a more pronounced tactile experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by a clacky tone, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. This sound quality contributes to an engaging typing experience, especially in gaming and everyday tasks, as the clack reinforces each keypress without being overwhelmingly loud. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, while not explicitly detailed here, is expected to offer a deeper sound due to its nylon housing and POM stem. This material combination generally lends itself to a more robust auditory signature, suggesting that while both switches provide distinct sound experiences, the Ice delivers a sharper, more pronounced click, whereas the Spring Breeze likely provides a richer, deeper sound.

In terms of feel, the Ice switch offers a feathery experience, allowing for exceptionally light presses that minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This light actuation force makes it particularly appealing for users who type frequently or engage in prolonged gaming. On the other hand, the tactile and potentially heavier feedback of the Spring Breeze could provide a different sense of satisfaction, especially for those who prefer a more robust, tactile response. While the exact feeling of the Spring Breeze isn't outlined, users may find its clicky nature adds a layer of tactile feedback that contrasts the smoothness of the Ice switch.

Overall, both the TTC Ice linear switch and Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch cater to different preferences. The Ice is ideal for those seeking a smooth, light typing experience combined with a clacky sound, making it great for both gaming and productivity. Meanwhile, the Spring Breeze, with its anticipated deeper sound and clicky feedback, may be more suited for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. While each switch has its unique characteristics, personal preference will ultimately dictate which one feels and sounds best to an individual user.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience that is both versatile for gaming and suitable for everyday tasks, the Ice switch may be your best bet; its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback, complemented by a clacky sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you find pleasure in the distinctive clicky feedback and slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, the Spring Breeze switch could be the way to go; its unique nylon housing and POM stem create a deeper sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response while typing. Additionally, the feathery feel of the Ice switch means you can type for longer with less finger fatigue, an appealing feature for extended sessions. Therefore, assess your typing style, desired sound profile, and comfort level to determine which switch aligns best with your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more