TTC Ice vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options to consider are the TTC Ice and the Durock Sea Glass switches, each offering unique characteristics and experiences. The TTC Ice is lauded for its crystal-clear transparent design that not only enhances aesthetics but also delivers a smooth and responsive feel, making it ideal for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Its satisfying bottom-out sound further elevates the premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches are distinguished by their captivating pastel colors and a proprietary material blend that provides a distinct dryness and airy sensation during use. Weighing in at 62g for a bottom-out force, they offer a weightless feel that's both feathery and easy to press, yet maintain a smooth operation. While both switches cater to those seeking linear feedback, they present different auditory and tactile experiences that may sway your decision depending on your preferences. 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
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and Durock Sea Glass switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile characterized by clear resonance. Polycarbonate's translucence further enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant color diffusion. This uniform material across the Ice's housing ensures a consistent sound experience, where the higher-pitched tones are prominent during both key presses and releases.
In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housings. This blend produces a sound profile that leans towards a brighter tone but is not excessively sharp, offering a more pleasant auditory experience. The contrasts between the materials suggest that while the Ice may provide a more pronounced sound when the keys are released due to the characteristic of polycarbonate, the Sea Glass's blend may contribute to a softer yet clearer sound, differing in tonal quality. As a result, the Sea Glass's overall sound experience may feel warmer and somewhat more subdued while still retaining clarity.
When evaluating how these differences manifest during use, it's crucial to note the impact of housing materials on the user experience. For the TTC Ice, the dominant stiffer polycarbonate throughout the switch ensures that users perceive a cohesive sound profile. However, for the Durock Sea Glass, the feelings and sounds during a key press versus the release are shaped by the unique interplay of the nylon and UHMWPE blend. Each housing material contributes to the overall character of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound while the top influences the release dynamics. Ultimately, while the TTC Ice focuses on sharp clarity, the Durock Sea Glass offers a differentiated warmth, making each switch uniquely suited to various preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar level of resistance when triggering a keystroke. However, the two switches diverge when it comes to their bottom out forces; the Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sea Glass registers slightly higher at 62 grams. This slight difference suggests that the Sea Glass offers a marginally heavier feel when fully depressed, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Sea Glass is the heavier option in terms of bottom out force, making it potentially better suited for those who appreciate a firmer feel during extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we see a noticeable difference in their measurements. The Ice switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Ice switch the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback when pressing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences—whether one values the speed of a shorter switch or the substantial feel of a longer switch.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 offers a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. It's characterized by a smooth sound signature that is relatively pleasant for both gaming and everyday typing. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switch presents a uniquely hollow sound profile, which can add an interesting layer to the auditory experience. While both sound qualities can vary based on the keyboard they're mounted in and the type of keycaps used, the Ice likely offers a more traditional and resonant sound compared to the airy and possibly less defined acoustics of the Sea Glass.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switch delivers a smooth and responsive typing experience that most users find pleasing and accessible. There's a solid sense of control with each keystroke, making it suitable for a variety of typing tasks. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, is notable for its frictionless action, giving it an effortless keypress that evokes a sense of weightlessness. Its mild and feathery nature minimizes resistance and fatigue, allowing for extended typing sessions without discomfort. This effortless quality can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a lighter keystroke and a more gentle touch.
In summary, the TTC Ice and Durock Sea Glass linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice is recognized for its satisfying sound and smooth feel, while the Sea Glass impresses with its hollow sound signature and a remarkably light, frictionless typing experience. Although their characteristics may vary, both switches can deliver an enjoyable overall typing experience tailored to the user's desires, whether they favor a more conventional acoustic profile or a uniquely airy sensation while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your specific preferences and use cases. If you value a visually striking design and a premium typing experience with a balance of responsiveness and satisfying sound, the TTC Ice switches may be your best bet. Their medium 60-gram bottom-out force provides a comfortable typing experience suitable for both gaming and regular tasks, allowing you to appreciate the smooth feel and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a unique aesthetic and a typing experience that feels light yet substantial, the Durock Sea Glass switches might be the right choice for you. With their slightly heavier 62-gram actuation force, these switches offer a frictionless and feathery typing experience that minimizes fatigue, making them ideal for long typing sessions. Their distinctive hollow sound signature adds an extra layer of character which some users may find appealing. Ultimately, the right switch will depend on whether you prioritize aesthetics, sound, or feel in your keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
