TTC Ice vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and Gateron Silent Ink Black are two appealing options that cater to distinct preferences and use cases. The TTC Ice, with its crystal-clear transparent design, not only catches the eye but also provides a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying clacky sound with a feathery touch. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike, who crave an engaging and tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black focuses on a quieter operation, making it ideal for those who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a more subdued sound profile. Its silky feel and cushiony bottom-out are designed to minimize noise while still delivering a comfortable typing experience. Both switches are linear and suited for specific environments and user preferences; the TTC Ice caters to those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback, while the Silent Ink Black is perfect for quieter settings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice switches and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, both products utilize materials that contribute to a higher-pitched sound profile, although they employ different types of plastic. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. This results in a sharper, crisper auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for setups that include RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches utilize a proprietary INK blend for their top housing, which produces a pointed yet not overly sharp sound profile, often described as clacky. While both housings promote a similar higher-pitched auditory experience, the TTC Ice’s polycarbonate housing may offer a more resonant clarity, while the Silent Ink’s blend gives a more nuanced and satisfying tonal quality.

Looking at the bottom housings of the two switches, both the TTC Ice and the Gateron Silent Ink Black continue to utilize high-performing materials, though they diverge in composition. The TTC Ice's bottom housing also made from polycarbonate contributes similarly to the upper housing, reinforcing that clear and crisper sound profile. This consistency allows for a uniform auditory experience across both stages of the switch actuation. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing, made from Gateron's proprietary INK blend, also aims for a pointed, high-pitched sound, albeit one that emphasizes a clacky quality rather than the sharpness seen in polycarbonate. The impact of these differing bottom housings is notable in the bottoming-out sound and feel, where each material sets its own distinct character.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch plays a crucial role in determining their overall sound characteristics. With both the TTC Ice and Gateron Silent Ink Black getting their sound and feel influenced by both top and bottom housing materials, users can expect a defined sound profile from either switch. If you prioritize a more resonant and sharp auditory experience, the TTC Ice’s polycarbonate could be the favorable choice. However, if you’re drawn to a smoother, clackier sound, the Silent Ink Black’s unique INK blend might suit your preferences better. Thus, while both switches lead to a higher-pitched sound profile, the subtle differences in material composition contribute distinctively to the overall tactile experience.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch with the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This lighter feel of the Ice switch may appeal to those who favor extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, with its stronger actuation force, offers a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In terms of bottom out forces, the TTC Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black requires a heavier 70 grams to fully press down. The difference in these forces suggests that users looking for a lighter touch will gravitate towards the TTC Ice, while those who prefer a firmer response might favor the Gateron Silent Ink Black.

Travel distance

The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Ice switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, is likely to offer a more substantial depth, catering to users who appreciate a more traditional and hearty keypress experience. Thus, while both switches serve unique preferences, the choice between them ultimately depends on whether one values responsiveness over depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the Ice switch stands out with its clacky sound. This characteristic sound is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black is designed for quieter environments, prioritizing a subdued auditory experience with minimal audio feedback. The latter's focus on silence means that while typing, you're less likely to disturb others, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions.

In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch offers a feathery typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke requires minimal effort. This light actuation force allows for reduced finger fatigue, making the Ice switch an excellent choice for prolonged use, whether for gaming or typing tasks. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a silky smooth typing sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Ice focuses on light resistance, the Silent Ink Black's strength lies in its seamless key presses, catering to users who appreciate a truly fluid typing experience.

In summary, the TTC Ice linear switch brings a vibrant auditory element with its clacky sound and a feather-like ease of use, making it suitable for those who enjoy audible feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch caters to users seeking a quiet, silky typing experience without disturbing others around them. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will boil down to your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch depends largely on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a versatile switch that can deliver a responsive feel with a crisp, clacky sound, and you appreciate the aesthetic of a clear design, then the Ice switch may be your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing, offering a delightful and engaging experience without causing strain during lengthy sessions. Conversely, if you are in a quieter environment—perhaps at an office or shared workspace—where noise reduction is paramount, the Silent Ink Black becomes the more attractive option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a substantial feel, while the cushy, silky experience and minimal sound feedback create an environment conducive to focused work. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and aesthetics, or a quieter, more subdued typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more