TTC Ice vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that each offer unique advantages. The TTC Ice switch stands out with its stunning crystal-clear design, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it a great choice for both gamers and everyday typists seeking a premium feel. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, presents a compelling alternative with its expertly blended materials that deliver a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, along with the renowned factory lube that enhances overall performance. Both switches fall into the linear category, offering a consistent keypress without tactile bumps, but they cater to different preferences and styles of typing. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it's evident that they share a similar choice for their top housings, both utilizing polycarbonate. The advantages of this material are pronounced: it leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This sound clarity is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which promotes resonance and helps create a brighter auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for switches intended for illuminated setups. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound quality between the two switches when considering the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. While the TTC Ice uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the HMX Sunset Gleam is constructed from nylon. The selection of nylon introduces a drastically different auditory experience, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate. Consequently, the bottom-out feel and acoustics will vary considerably between the two models. The Ice switch will maintain a bright auditory signature throughout, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more muted and rounded bottom-out sound due to the nylon's sound-dampening properties.
Ultimately, these differing characteristics highlight the influence of the individual housing materials on the overall switch performance. The TTC Ice’s consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom hones a sharp and clear sound profile, ensuring uniformity in the auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, combines the benefits of both materials but results in a sound that reflects the individual qualities of each. Users looking for a more resonant experience might prefer the Ice, whereas those who prioritize a fuller sound may lean towards the Sunset Gleam. In both cases, the materials dictate the sensory experience, combining clarity and resonance uniquely across the two models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force at 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience over extended periods. While the actuation forces of both switches differ, the bottom out forces highlight an even greater disparity, as the TTC Ice requires more force to bottom out compared to the Sunset Gleam. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter touch and quicker keystrokes will gravitate toward the Sunset Gleam, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel will find the TTC Ice more satisfying.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience a marginally deeper engagement with the TTC Ice compared to the Sunset Gleam. As shorter travel distances are often favored in gaming for quicker responses, users might prefer the Sunset Gleam for its snappy actuation. However, for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Ice switch's 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Ice offers a longer travel distance by just 0.1 mm.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate an auditory component in their keystrokes. The sound profile is characterized by its clarity and resonance, which can elevate the overall immersive experience when gaming or typing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch offers a subtly distinct sound with a satisfying clack at the top-out, thanks to its unique material composition and factory lube. Overall, while both switches produce a pleasant audio experience, the Ice is more focused on a clear bottom-out sound, whereas the Sunset Gleam emphasizes a balanced combination of top-out and bottom-out acoustics, contributing to a more varied sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive action, delivering consistent performance across a wide range of uses, ideal for both gaming and typing tasks. The design ensures that users experience a fluid motion without any tactile bump, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer a linear feel. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is also designed to provide a smooth linear experience but may bring a slightly different sensation due to its unique composition and factory lubrication. This lube is known to enhance the switch's performance further, potentially offering a more refined and polished typing experience compared to the Ice. Despite these nuances, both switches present a high-quality linear feel that satisfies users who favor smooth keystrokes.
In summary, while both the TTC Ice and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches excel in providing engaging sound and feel qualities, they each offer distinct characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. The Ice excels with its crystal-clear sound and smooth action, while the Sunset Gleam stands out with its subtly satisfying clack and excellent lubrication. Ultimately, users looking for a refined typing experience will find both of these switches to be excellent choices, each delivering a unique take on the linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and desire a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, the Ice switch may be the better choice for you. Its crystal-clear design and premium feel make it ideal for both gaming and everyday activities, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort without being overly light. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam is well-suited for you. Its factory-lubed mechanisms offer a smooth typing experience with a subtle top-out and an enjoyable clack sound, making it an excellent option if you lean towards faster, more delicate keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how each switch's characteristics align with your typing style; if you value noise and a more pronounced feedback, go for the Ice, but if you appreciate a lighter touch with a refined sound, the Sunset Gleam will likely serve you better.
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