TTC Ice vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and environments. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel, creating a premium typing experience that's both clacky and feathery—ideal for gamers and typists who enjoy a satisfying sound and tactile feedback during fast-paced activities. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a medium tactile feel, giving users a comforting resistance with each keystroke; its muted operation makes it a perfect choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Both switches embody unique strengths that appeal to different users: the Ice for its engaging acoustics and responsiveness, and the Silent Bluish White (V2) for its subtlety and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized by clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Given that both switches feature polycarbonate at the top, users can expect a similar auditory experience in terms of bright and crisp sound when the keys are released, highlighting the shared sonic qualities delivered by this housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of these two switches introduces a contrast in sound profiles due to differing materials. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which continues the theme of clarity and resonance established by its top housing. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel will also reflect a sharper sound profile. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) features nylon in its bottom housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This difference suggests that when pressed, the bottom housing of the Silent Bluish White (V2) will yield a rounder, more subdued auditory response compared to the Ice, which will continue to emphasize the crisper sound profile throughout the keystroke.
Ultimately, the distinct combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective bottom housings results in differing sound profiles that users will experience when typing. While both switches will provide a bright and clear sound upon releasing the keys due to their common polycarbonate top housing, the Ice will maintain consistency in sound throughout the keystroke, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a unique depth at the bottom of the stroke. Thus, while users can achieve a visually striking switch experience with the same clear top housing, the bottom-out feel and acoustic character will vary markedly between the two, allowing typists to choose a switch that aligns more closely with their sound preferences and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams, making the Ice feel more substantial to type on. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice switch also has a higher value at 60 grams, whereas the Silent Bluish White bottom out at just 50 grams. This indicates that the Silent Bluish White is lighter overall, providing a softer typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel may favor the heavier TTC Ice switch. Thus, the differences in force highlight the distinct preferences users may have on typing dynamics, with the Ice offering a firmer touch and the Silent Bluish White providing a lighter, more effortless action.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ice switch offers a marginally deeper feel when pressed, allowing for a bit more travel before bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) may be favored by those who enjoy a snappier response, thanks to its shorter travel distance. While both switches are on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the difference between them is minimal enough that users might experience similar responsiveness. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more profound tactile experience, the TTC Ice would be the preferred choice, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) aligns better with users who prefer quicker keypress responses.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch produces a clacky audio signature, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and bright, making each keystroke feel lively and pronounced. This can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is designed for a more muted experience, resulting in a softer and quieter sound profile. This makes it ideal for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is essential. While the Ice delivers a vibrant auditory response, the Silent Bluish White (V2) focuses on discretion, allowing for productive and peaceful typing.
Regarding feel, the Ice switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press. This quality reduces finger fatigue, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a tactile but subtle experience. With a medium tactile feel characterized as buttery, stepped, and polished, it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke with gentle resistance. The tactile feedback is mild, which allows for precise typing without being overly pronounced, making it suitable for shared environments. Both switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
In summary, the TTC Ice linear switch is perfect for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience and a light keystroke feel, making it ideal for dynamic tasks like gaming. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White (V2) excels in situations demanding quiet operation while still providing a comfortable tactile feel. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on one’s preferences for sound and typing sensation, as each offers unique qualities that enhance the mechanical keyboard experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and environment. If you find yourself leaning towards gaming or typing in a dynamic setting where a responsive, smooth, and slightly louder feedback is desired, the Ice switch with its clacky sound and feathery feel will enhance your experience, providing a satisfying tactile sensation that can make every keystroke enjoyable. On the other hand, if you're in a quiet workspace or shared living conditions where minimizing noise is crucial, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the ideal pick. With its muted sound profile and buttery, polished feel, this switch balances tactile feedback with discretion, ensuring that your typing remains both precise and pleasant without disturbing those around you. Thus, consider your environment and typing preferences carefully, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different scenarios.
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