TTC Ice vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and KTT Purple Click stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The TTC Ice, known for its stunning crystal-clear design, offers a linear feel that ensures smooth and responsive keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for both gamers seeking rapid inputs and typists who desire a refined touch. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch delivers a unique auditory experience with its high-pitched, satisfying click, striking a balance between pronounced tactility and ease of use, which many users find invigorating during prolonged typing sessions. While the Ice switch excels in providing a seamless and unobtrusive experience, the Purple Click switch appeals to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a nostalgic typing sound. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the KTT Purple Click both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a similar acoustic quality. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes both switches capable of delivering a clear and resonant sound that can be particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is employed. The translucency of polycarbonate means that both the Ice and the Purple Click can effectively showcase RGB effects, offering users an aesthetically pleasing experience alongside functional sound qualities. Therefore, in this regard, both switches provide a comparable auditory and visual experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the TTC Ice and KTT Purple Click offer distinct differences that impact their overall sound and feel. The Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, consistent with its top, which maintains that crisp sound profile throughout the keystroke. This synergy between the top and bottom housings leads to a uniform experience, as both housing types resonate similarly. On the other hand, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing contrasts this by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound and creates a naturally duller and rounder auditory experience, diverging from the clarity offered by polycarbonate. This variance means that the tactile and acoustic qualities will manifest differently during keypresses between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the TTC Ice and KTT Purple Click results in differing sensations and sounds during use. While the Ice's cohesive polycarbonate construction offers a sharper, more resonant experience from both the top and bottom, the Purple Click's use of nylon in the bottom housing introduces a deeper sound layer, creating a dichotomy between the two. When pressing down on each switch, the Ice will feel and sound consistent with its crisp profile throughout, while the Purple Click will feel fuller and more subdued during the bottoming out. Therefore, the material contrast in the bottom housing ultimately shapes the overall user experience, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the KTT Purple Click features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Purple Click the lighter option, which might be more appealing for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice switch requires a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback during use. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the KTT Purple Click is the better choice; however, if you appreciate a firmer keystroke, the TTC Ice will suit your needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, the TTC Ice sports a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click comes in at a slightly longer 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Ice may be more appealing, especially for gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Purple Click's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial and hearty depth, which might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more tactile sensation while typing. In summary, the TTC Ice provides a shorter travel distance, favoring quick response times, whereas the KTT Purple Click offers a longer travel distance, catering to those who appreciate a deeper key press.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 sound profile of the TTC Ice linear switch offers a satisfying bottom-out sound that is pleasant yet subdued, making it versatile for both gaming and daily typing tasks. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch produces a distinctly pronounced auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched, crunchy sound that can be reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This clicky sound effect creates a resonant and immersive auditory experience, giving users clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. Thus, while the Ice is quieter and more refined, the Purple Click delivers a more engaging, loud, and playful sound that many enthusiasts find desirable.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is known for its smooth and responsive action, providing an effortless typing experience without any tactile bumps or interruptions. In comparison, the KTT Purple Click features an invigorating feel, characterized by pronounced feedback and a snappy response that comes from its click mechanism. The Purple Click also incorporates a stepped design, offering a tactile sensation that combines mild pre-travel and post-travel feedback, allowing users to enjoy a dynamic interaction with each key. As a result, the Ice switch is better suited for those who prefer a linear experience with uninterrupted strokes, while the Purple Click caters to individuals who appreciate tactile and auditory feedback in their typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Purple Click switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Ice switch excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying, high-pitched, and tactile experience that is both resonant and crunchy, greatly appealing to those who enjoy pronounced feedback while typing. Depending on what qualities you prioritize, either switch can enhance your typing experience, with the Ice focusing on smoothness and the Purple Click on engagement and tactility.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios will significantly influence your decision. If you value a smooth, responsive feel with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the TTC Ice switch is an excellent choice. Its transparent design not only delivers an aesthetically pleasing look but also provides a premium typing experience that's well-suited for both gaming and general use. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky and vibrant typing experience, the KTT Purple Click switch's lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams will appeal to you. The pronounced click and tactile feedback create an invigorating atmosphere, making each keystroke feel satisfying and engaging, particularly for tasks that require precision and a bit of auditory delight. Ultimately, if you lean towards a smooth typing experience with less noise, go for the Ice; but if you enjoy an immersive, clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Purple Click is the way to go.
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