TTC Ice vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and KTT Pine stand out as excellent linear options, each offering a distinctive typing experience tailored to different preferences. The TTC Ice switches are renowned for their striking crystal-clear design, providing a smooth, responsive feel alongside a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound, making them ideal for both gaming enthusiasts and everyday typists who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches feature a lovely forest green hue and are designed for a medium-heavy, buttery smooth experience. With their polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches excel in minimizing friction, ensuring a seamless key travel that many typists find desirable. While the Ice offers a more energetic sound profile, the Pine focuses on a creamy, low-pitched operation that’s perfect for those who prefer a quieter experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Ice and the KTT Pine switches feature polycarbonate as their top and bottom housing materials. This commonality results in a uniform sound profile that showcases a sharper, higher-pitched tone, contributing to a crisper auditory experience when the switches are activated. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plays a significant role in amplifying clarity and resonance, which is crucial for enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality in their keyboard builds. With both switches relying on polycarbonate, users can expect a cohesive auditory performance that emphasizes the distinct characteristics that this material brings to the table.
The translucency of polycarbonate also has notable aesthetic benefits, particularly for those looking to integrate RGB lighting into their keyboard designs. Both the Ice and Pine switches are likely to feature clear housing, accentuating the visual appeal of any RGB setup. Given their shared material, users can anticipate a similar light diffusion effect, where the illumination from the RGB lights interacts harmoniously with the polycarbonate to create vibrant and dynamic lighting displays. This ensures that regardless of the switch type, users can achieve an aesthetically pleasing environment that complements their gaming or typing experience.
However, it is essential to consider how the housing materials influence feel and sound during operation. While both switches utilize the same polycarbonate composition, the impact of each housing type is felt differently depending on the action performed. The bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting user interaction during key presses, while the top housing contributes more significantly to the sound when a key is released. Thus, even though the TTC Ice and KTT Pine switches use identical materials, the unique design and assembly can lead to nuanced differences in performance and tactile feedback, ultimately allowing users to choose the switch that best fits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of how much effort is needed to register presses. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces; the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Pine switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This indicates that the Ice switch feels a tad heavier when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile sensation. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Pine switch is slightly lighter overall, making it potentially better suited for users who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming, whereas the Ice switch might be favored by those who appreciate a firmer feel when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Ice switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference may influence a user's typing experience significantly; the shorter travel distance of the Ice switch may cater to those who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, which is particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Conversely, the Pine switch's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback and a deeper keypress that feels less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will hinge on individual preferences regarding key travel depth and response characteristics.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the TTC Ice and KTT Pine linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The Ice switch produces a clacky sound, characterized by a crisp, sharp tone that resonates with a percussive quality. This sound is ideal for users seeking auditory feedback while typing or gaming, providing a bright and engaging experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch offers a deeper, basy sound, producing low-pitched tones that provide a richer auditory experience. This bass-heavy quality lends a mellow ambiance during use, making it appealing for those who prefer a more grounded sound profile. Ultimately, users can choose between the vibrant clack of the Ice or the warm depths of the Pine, keeping in mind that additional factors like keyboard design and keycap material will also influence the overall sound.
In terms of feel, the Ice switch is notably feathery, requiring minimal force for actuation. This makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and promotes comfort during extended usage. The KTT Pine switch, on the other hand, delivers a buttery and creamy experience, characterized by an exceptionally smooth key travel that feels effortless and fluid. While both switches aspire to enhance the typing experience through their unique characteristics, the Ice focuses on lightness and responsiveness, while the Pine emphasizes a silky, luxurious sensation with every keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile and rich feedback.
In summarizing the qualities of the TTC Ice and KTT Pine linear switches, each presents its own set of advantages that cater to varying preferences among users. The Ice switch excels with its light actuation force and sharp sound profile, making it great for fast-paced typing and gaming. Conversely, the Pine switch stands out with its polished, creamy feel and deeper sound, offering a more mellow typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results, allowing newcomers to discover their personal preference based on individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, your choice should primarily depend on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a visually striking, crystal-clear switch and enjoy a clacky sound profile that delivers a sharp, responsive auditory feedback, the Ice switch will likely be more appealing. Its feathery feel makes it a great option for those who may spend prolonged periods typing or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, richer sound profile and a smoother, more buttery typing experience, the KTT Pine is an excellent choice. Its polished, factory-lubed finish not only ensures a creamy keystroke but also promotes an effortless overall experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and sound depth during their typing tasks. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—looks and sound versus smoothness and depth—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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