TTC Ice vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Gateron Smoothie offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to a variety of typing preferences. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its crystal-clear transparent design that not only looks striking but also provides a smooth and responsive tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike. Its satisfying bottom-out sound enhances the overall enjoyment of use, making it a reliable option for both competitive gameplay and daily tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, crafted entirely from POM material, breaks the price barrier while delivering exceptional quality. Known for its thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, it offers a lightweight touch that some users may find more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches have unique strengths: the Ice emphasizes a premium visual and auditory experience, while the Smoothie focuses on affordability without sacrificing smoothness and feel. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the TTC Ice switches and Gateron Smoothie switches, a notable distinction arises from the choice of plastics employed. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This material is characterized by its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. As polycarbonate offers a translucent quality, it enhances the visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for an aesthetically pleasing display as well. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie employs POM for both its top and bottom housings, which provides a distinctly deeper and more muted sound profile. While this might result in a more subdued auditory experience compared to the sharpness of the Ice, it also lends a unique and pleasing sound that many users may find appealing.
The impact of each housing material on the overall switch performance differs markedly. With the Ice's polycarbonate construction, both the top and bottom housings contribute to a higher-pitched sound that is likely to resonate sharply when typing, particularly pronounced during the key release. The rigidity of the polycarbonate creates a distinctly crisp bottom-out feel, which can be desirable for typists seeking feedback and clarity in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie's POM materials deliver sound characteristics that are softer and more muted. Here, the bottom housing has a significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a smoother transition when a key is pressed down or released. This design caters to typists who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback experience.
Despite the differences in materials leading to varying sound profiles, both the TTC Ice and the Gateron Smoothie can yield satisfying results depending on user preferences. If you're seeking a crisper and more pronounced auditory experience, the Ice with its polycarbonate housing may be advantageous. On the other hand, for those who appreciate a deeper and more muted response, the Gateron Smoothie's POM construction offers a delightful alternative. Even though the sounds differ, the overall experience of typing can be enjoyable with either switch due to the individual characteristics of their respective housing materials. Whether you lean towards the higher-pitched clarity of polycarbonate or the deeper tones of POM, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to various typing styles and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces stand out. The Ice switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Smoothie is lighter at 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force of the Ice switch is 60 grams, indicating a firmer feedback when fully depressed, whereas the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, which leaves some uncertainty about how it feels when bottomed out. For users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, the Ice switch would be better due to its heavier feel overall. In summary, the Ice offers a medium level of resistance, while the Smoothie is lighter but lacks clarity on its bottoming out force.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will yield comparable results in terms of key responsiveness and feel during typing or gaming. This uniformity suggests a reliable performance across both switch types, making them suitable alternatives depending on other desired characteristics like actuation force or sound profile.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is often described as having a satisfying bottom-out sound, typical of high-quality linear switches, though specific descriptors for its sound aren't provided. This indicates that while it has a pleasing acoustic feedback, the exact tonal characteristics remain nuanced. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie provides a thocky sound signature that is low-pitched and subdued. When pressed, it produces a deep, rich tone reminiscent of a soft thud, offering a satisfying auditory experience that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. The Smoothie's distinct sound profile makes it ideal for those who prefer a more bass-heavy type of feedback, enhancing the overall typing atmosphere.
When considering feel, the TTC Ice switch is known for its smooth and responsive typing experience, which implies a consistent interaction with each keystroke though the specific texture characteristics aren't explicitly detailed. Meanwhile, the Gateron Smoothie is characterized by its buttery, creamy, and silky feel. This translates to a typing experience that is remarkably smooth and effortless, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. The combination of these attributes leads to a typing sensation that feels luxurious and premium, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys.
Overall, both the TTC Ice and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer premium experiences, with each switch catering to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. While the Ice emphasizes a smooth, responsive interaction and satisfying bottom-out feedback, the Smoothie stands out for its thocky acoustic signature and exceptionally smooth tactile experience. If you're drawn to an engaging auditory feedback with deeper tones, the Smoothie might be your ideal choice. Conversely, if you favor a responsive and satisfying typing experience, the Ice could be what you're looking for. Ultimately, you'll find you can't go wrong with either switch, as both promise a high-quality keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it’s essential to consider both your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a responsive feel and enjoy a premium typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, the TTC Ice may be your best choice. Its 60-gram actuation force offers a balanced tactile feedback for a variety of applications, making it a versatile option. On the other hand, if you seek an exceptionally smooth typing experience described as buttery, creamy, or silky, and you adore a deeper, thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie is likely to resonate with you more. Its lightweight touch and dampened sound profile can offer comfort during extended typing sessions or for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice should align with what aspects of feel and sound matter most to you, ensuring a satisfying keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
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