TTC Ice vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique characteristics that can greatly enhance your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice switch is well-regarded for its crystal-clear transparent design, providing a smooth and responsive feel combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a premium experience in both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches stand out for their all-POM construction and short travel distance that facilitate lightning-fast actuation. With their thocky sound profile and unparalleled smoothness, these switches cater to those who prefer a feather-light touch. While both switches are linear, offering seamless keypresses without tactile feedback or audible clicks, they each cater to different user preferences and applications. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 of the TTC Ice and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, a clear contrast emerges between the use of polycarbonate and POM plastics. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the rigidity of polycarbonate, allowing sound to resonate more clearly and effectively. Moreover, the transparency of the polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, as it allows the illumination to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver employs POM for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and more muted sound. POM, while still able to produce satisfying acoustics, leans towards a sound profile that is unique but not as sharp as that of polycarbonate.
Despite these differences in material, the overall audiological experiences provided by both switches can share common ground based on how each housing interacts with pressing and releasing the key. In the case of the Smoothie Silver, its POM material softens the key release sound, resulting in a less resonant experience. This could be viewed as favorable for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. The Ice’s polycarbonate, while crisper on release, will have its bottom housing contributing to the impact sound when fully pressed down—an aspect that can create a tactile engagement distinct from the smoother response of the POM. Users who value a pronounced bottom-out feel might appreciate the Ice more, while those who favor a quieter, muted experience might gravitate towards the Smoothie Silver.
Ultimately, the split characteristics of each switch’s housing material play a significant role in shaping a user’s tactile and auditory experience. In switches where the top and bottom housings are made from different materials, the top housing generally influences the sound when releasing the key, while the bottom impacts the sound and feel upon bottoming out. The TTC Ice, with its cohesive polycarbonate construction, ensures a consistent sound profile that captures the crispness at both points of keystroke, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver, made entirely from POM, provides a flexible and softer sound experience throughout. Therefore, while different in composition and resulting sound characteristics, users can still achieve enjoyable outcomes based on personal preference and intended use.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar initial resistance when triggering a keystroke. This makes both switches suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, facilitating prolonged use during work or gaming sessions without excessive fatigue. However, a notable contrast arises with the bottom out forces: the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, suggesting a more substantial feel upon fully pressing the key down. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unavailable, leaving a gap in our comparison. Due to the higher bottom out force of the Ice switch, it may appeal more to those who enjoy a heavier feel when typing, while the Smoothie Silver's unknown bottom out force may mean it could potentially cater to a wider range of preferences depending on its actual measurement. Overall, the TTC Ice is the heavier option, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver, with an unknown specification, could either be similar or lighter, but we cannot confirm this definitively.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Ice switch provides a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance might appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times. While both switches can result in effective performance, the TTC Ice offers a travel distance that feels more substantial, whereas the Gateron Smoothie Silver caters to those who desire a snappier, more abrupt feel. Overall, the Ice is the longer option, and the Smoothie Silver is the shorter one.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out noise that contributes to an overall premium typing experience, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, which can enhance the tactile feedback during typing or gaming. Both switches may deliver a pleasing auditory experience, but the Ice’s distinctive bottom-out sound and the Smoothie Silver's thocky character set them apart, highlighting the subjective nature of switch sound based on the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch is known for its smooth, responsive characteristics, making it comfortable for prolonged use and ideal for gamers and typists alike. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, on the other hand, features a feather-light actuation and unparalleled smoothness, allowing for rapid keystrokes without much effort. While both switches offer a gratifying typing experience, the Ice excels in providing a well-rounded response, whereas the Smoothie Silver emphasizes a quick, sensitive touch that facilitates fast-paced actions.
In summary, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch provide unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Ice offers a premium sound experience and a smooth feel geared towards versatility, while the Smoothie Silver stands out with its thocky sound and feather-light actuation, designed for quick responses. Depending on personal preference, both switches can yield enjoyable results; your choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer the satisfying bottom-out of the Ice or the fast, smooth responsiveness of the Smoothie Silver.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, your specific needs and preferences should guide your decision. The TTC Ice switch, with its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, offers a solid typing experience that balances responsiveness and a satisfying auditory feedback, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. If you appreciate a little resistance while typing and enjoy a premium feel, the Ice may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light touch and lightning-fast actuation, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is an excellent choice, particularly for gaming where rapid inputs are crucial. Its short travel distance and smooth, thocky sound cater to users looking for a quick and seamless experience. Therefore, consider your priorities: whether you want a balanced and premium typing experience with a pleasant sound, or lightning-fast actuation with unparalleled smoothness for intense gaming sessions.
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