TTC Ice vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and TTC Silent Red offer distinct experiences while sharing some commonalities as linear switches. The TTC Ice stands out with its striking crystal-clear transparent design, delivering not only a smooth and responsive feel but also a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the premium typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and daily tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red caters to those who prioritize a quieter workspace, providing a seamless typing experience characterized by its muted sound profile, perfect for office environments or shared living spaces. With its buttery, mild, and polished feel, the Silent Red ensures a smooth journey from top to bottom, combined with a padded bottom-out that maximizes comfort. While both switches offer unique advantages—whether you seek the aesthetic and auditory satisfaction of the Ice or the tranquil typing of the Silent Red—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Ice and TTC Silent Red switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which plays a significant role in shaping their auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in the top housing allows both switches to deliver a clear and resonant sound when the keys are released. Furthermore, due to their translucency, users can take advantage of RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches when illuminated. This shared construction material suggests that players can expect a comparable acoustic experience during key release regardless of the specific switch type.

In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch showcases a stark difference in materials. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top, which ensures a consistent sound profile characterized by clarity and brightness. This configuration allows for uniformity between the top and bottom haptics, resulting in a cohesive experience when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer properties. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon tends to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This variability in bottom housing materials implies that the user will notice distinct differences when pressing down on the keys, with the Silent Red offering a rounder, more muted experience in the tactile response.

As a result, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Ice and the TTC Silent Red switches create a nuanced interaction during use. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that provides a bright, clear sound during release, the variance in bottom housing materials influences the sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Users of the TTC Ice can expect a more consistent auditory response, while those with the Silent Red will appreciate the deeper sound generated by the nylon construction at the bottom. Ultimately, understanding these material distinctions enables users to select the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of typing feel and auditory feedback.

Weight

The TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch are similar in their actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, whether for work or long gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the TTC Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the TTC Silent Red features a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This distinction indicates that the Silent Red will provide a more substantial push feel upon bottoming out, appealing to users who favor a heavier, more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter overall feel, the Ice is the better option, while the Silent Red is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their key presses.

Travel distance

The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This slight difference means that users who choose the Ice switch may enjoy a more responsive feel which can be particularly beneficial for gaming and rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel, which some users find more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may depend on individual preferences regarding response time versus tactile depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Ice switch boasts a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the tactile experience of typing, making it appealing for both gaming and regular usage. While it maintains a more pronounced auditory feedback, it likely produces a sound that is pleasing to the ear, striking a balance between a solid thock and the clack of traditional switches. In contrast, the Silent Red focuses on a muted auditory experience, emphasizing a quieter operation ideal for environments where noise is a concern. This switch minimizes the usual sounds associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more discreet typing experience, especially beneficial in shared or office spaces.

In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch is particularly celebrated for its smooth, responsive keystrokes that deliver a premium typing sensation. Users can expect an engaging tactile experience as they type or game, enhancing overall performance. Comparatively, the TTC Silent Red excels in providing a buttery-smooth operation throughout its key travel, offering a consistent and seamless experience. The mild nature of the Silent Red also contributes to its gentle typing characteristics, appealing to those who prefer a balanced switch that does not overwhelm with pronounced sensations, while its polished design ensures reduced friction for effortless key presses.

Overall, both switches offer unique advantages to cater to different preferences. The TTC Ice switch is ideal for users who enjoy engaging acoustics and a responsive feel, making it well-suited for both recreational and professional typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red's muted sound and buttery, polished action make it a top choice for those seeking a quieter keyboard experience without compromising the smoothness of their keystrokes. Depending on your environmental needs and personal preferences, either option will provide a satisfactory typing experience, though they cater to distinctly different contexts and user desires.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and your usage environment. If you value a medium actuation force and a premium typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch might be more suitable for you, especially if you enjoy both gaming and general typing in a quieter setting. Its crystal-clear design and smooth feel make it an appealing choice for those who appreciate aesthetic functionality and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you find yourself in an office or shared space and need a more discreet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red switch is likely the better option. With its muted sound profile and buttery smooth feel, it minimizes noise while still providing a comfortable and consistent typing experience. The slightly heavier actuation force can offer a more controlled feel, making it appealing for prolonged use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your lifestyle and typing needs—whether you're more focused on aesthetics and sound or on minimizing distractions and enhancing comfort.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more