TTC Ice vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the TTC Ice and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its visually striking crystal-clear transparent design, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate aesthetics as much as performance, making it suitable for gaming and everyday tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its medium-weight all-POM construction, delivering a distinct thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness while maintaining affordability. This switch caters to users looking for quality and value without compromising on performance. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your preferences, whether you prioritize design or sound profile. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, one can observe distinct differences that significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This material is associated with producing a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a sharp auditory feedback. Additionally, its clear nature enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who utilize RGB lighting options, as it allows the illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which yields a deeper, more muted sound. POM is somewhat softer than polycarbonate, contributing to a unique sound quality that is more subdued yet distinctively pleasing.
Both switches utilize the same material—polycarbonate—for their bottom housings, which further amplifies the differences in their characteristics. In the TTC Ice, the polycarbonate bottom housing maintains that sharp and resonant sound, ensuring a consistent auditory experience throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing continues its trend toward a muted sound profile, focusing on creating a soft landing rather than a clear, loud response. This divergence in bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in the overall feel of the switches; while the Ice's housing supports a crisper feedback when bottoming out, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing allows for more cushioning and a gentle auditory experience.
In summary, while the TTC Ice and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie share polycarbonate as a common material in their bottom housings, the contrast in their top housing materials distinctly shapes their performance. The Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housings deliver a unified, resonant sound experience characterized by sharpness and clarity. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's combination of a POM top housing with a polycarbonate bottom introduces a layered sound experience with deeper, muted tones. Users will find that these materials not only affect the auditory feedback but also contribute to the tactile response of each switch, reflecting how the combination of housing materials results in unique typing and gaming experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ice switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Ice switch is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, potentially allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Sea Salt Smoothie might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Regarding the bottom out forces, the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. Despite this uncertainty, the TTC Ice switch can be considered the heavier option overall since its overall force requirement for bottoming out is clearly defined at 60 grams. Consequently, if users seek a consistent and reliable back-and-forth feel during typing or gaming sessions, the Ice switch presents a more predictable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Ice measures 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ice the shorter option, catering to those who favor a more responsive keypress, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a less abrupt experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences based on their travel distances, making the choice ultimately dependent on personal preference.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 satisfying bottom-out sound, contributing to a premium typing experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile, which can evoke a sense of satisfaction during use. While both switches provide auditory feedback, the Ice leans toward a sharper note upon bottoming out, whereas the Smoothie produces a deeper, more resonant sound, making them suitable for different preferences in typists and gamers alike. It’s worth noting that the overall sound characteristics can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When considering the feel of the two switches, the TTC Ice is characterized by its smooth and responsive action, making it an optimal choice for typing and gaming alike. The Sea Salt Smoothie, being a medium-weight all-POM switch, also prioritizes smoothness while adding a unique joy to the typing experience. Users of both switches can expect a pleasant tactile sensation, but the Ice may feel slightly more responsive due to its design, while the Smoothie’s medium weight could offer a more grounded typing experience.
Overall, both the TTC Ice and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches present excellent options for users, each with distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ice's crystalline clarity and premium feedback harmonize well with its swift responsiveness, ideal for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the Smoothie, with its thocky sound and smooth action, provides a delightful typing sensation that balances weight and feedback effectively. When selecting between these two switches, personal preference regarding sound and feel will ultimately guide the decision, but either choice promises to deliver a satisfying experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider the nuances in your typing experience and preferences. If you value a smooth and responsive feel paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, especially for both gaming and everyday typing tasks, the TTC Ice switch could be the ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced, tactile feedback that many enjoy. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness while still maintaining affordability, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would be an excellent option. This switch's all-POM construction offers a unique typing experience that may appeal to those who prioritize sound design and fluidity. Ultimately, your decision should be influenced by whether you lean more towards a clear, premium feel with the Ice or the unique auditory and tactile qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Mentioned in this article
