TTC Ice vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact both your typing experience and gaming performance. The TTC Ice switch, with its linear mechanism, is celebrated for its smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer a fluid keystroke without any tactile feedback. Its stunning crystal-clear transparent design adds an aesthetic appeal, perfect for those who value both functionality and visual flair. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch stands out with its tactile bump, providing a comfortable typing experience alongside a light to medium level of resistance. It caters particularly well to those who want to experience that "click" without the noise, thanks to its muted profile, making it an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the Ice switch for its smoothness and sleek design or the Silent Brown for its tactile feedback and quiet operation, each offers unique benefits tailored to different preferences and uses. 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
63.5g
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
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
The TTC Ice and TTC Silent Brown switches share a similarity in their top housing material, with both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is a notable characteristic of these switches. The stiffness of the polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, enhancing the performance of both switches during typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the colors to shine through effectively, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall keyboard design.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the same sound characteristics throughout the switch. This consistency in material usage allows for a cohesive sound experience, where both the bottom-out and release sounds will retain that punchy clarity associated with polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Silent Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively due to its relative softness. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, marking a distinct contrast to the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the Ice, especially when the switch is bottomed out.
The differences in the bottom housing materials lead to varied typing experiences between the TTC Ice and Silent Brown switches. While both switches deliver the clear and resonant qualities characteristic of polycarbonate in the upper housing, the Ice maintains this uniformity with polycarbonate on the bottom as well. Conversely, the Silent Brown’s nylon housing adds a rounder and more muted sound experience, particularly noticeable upon key presses. Therefore, when it comes to the overall auditory and tactile feedback from these switches, users will find that the Ice offers a consistent brightness across the board, while the Silent Brown allows for a more dynamic range, contrasting sharper sounds with a deeper base character.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity allows users to experience a comparable typing feel at the actuation point, accommodating those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches, with the Ice boasting a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Brown features a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This distinction indicates that while both switches allow for a comfortable actuation, the Silent Brown provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, catering to users who appreciate a stronger tactile response. In summary, the TTC Ice is the lighter option, suited for prolonged use, while the TTC Silent Brown may appeal to those who favor a firmer feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This comparison highlights a key difference between the two: the Ice switch offers a shorter travel distance, which caters to users who prefer more responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking quicker keypress reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch, with its longer travel distance, is likely to provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users find preferable for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you're inclined towards quicker response times, the TTC Ice would be the better option, whereas if you appreciate a deeper keypress, the Silent Brown would suit your needs better.
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 Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 features a satisfying bottom-out noise that offers an indication of key engagement, making it delightful for users who enjoy audible feedback. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch presents a muted auditory experience—producing a softer and quieter noise compared to more traditional switches. This muted sound is ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, offering a pleasing compromise between sound and function for anyone keen on keeping the volume down while typing.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch is smooth and responsive, providing an uninterrupted keystroke experience. The effortless key travel allows for a fluid typing motion that is particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch features a mild tactile bump, delivering a comfortable and rounded typing experience. This tactile feedback offers a sense of engagement without the jarring sensation found in more pronounced tactile switches. Moreover, the buttery and polished nature of the Silent Brown lends itself to a refined typing experience, reducing friction and enhancing overall comfort.
When considering both the TTC Ice and Silent Brown switches, users will find distinct differences that cater to varied preferences. The Ice switch is perfect for those who enjoy an auditory cue in their typing while enjoying smooth key action, making it a strong choice for gamers. Meanwhile, the Silent Brown switches offer a perfect solution for those who prefer a quieter, more tactile experience that still provides pleasant feedback without being obtrusive. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether the user values sound and smoothness or a subdued, tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you're looking for a smooth and responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound ideal for both gaming and general use, the Ice switch is a great option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures it provides a comfortable experience, particularly for fast-paced gaming, where quick key presses and a tactile feedback are advantageous. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a focus on quieter operation, the TTC Silent Brown switch may be more suitable for your needs. With a slightly heavier force of 63.5 grams, the Silent Brown's muted sound profile and buttery smoothness offer a comfortable typing experience while minimizing noise, making it ideal for shared workspaces or quieter environments. By considering your priorities—be it gaming performance or a tranquil typing experience—you can confidently choose the switch that best suits your lifestyle.
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