TTC Ice vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two enticing options worth considering are the TTC Ice and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both of which are linear switches but diverge significantly in their characteristics. The TTC Ice switch is distinguished by its crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience that balances well for both gamers and everyday typists. With a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ice is perfect for those who prioritize aesthetics and a premium feel in their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a unique auditory experience, with a sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles and a rich, bassy tone that elevates typing to an indulgent affair. Its medium weight caters to a broad spectrum of users, while the distinct Ly stem and proprietary factory lube provide a gliding sensation that is both frictionless and polished. While both switches have their merits, they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice switches feature a polycarbonate housing that lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, both in the top and bottom housings. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for resonance that enhances sound clarity, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing not only contributes to a clear sound but also makes the switches particularly appealing for RGB lighting, as they allow light to shine through effectively. This combination of materials ensures that the end user experiences a sound that is pleasing and energetic, promoting an overall lively typing experience.
In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches utilize a POM (Polyoxymethylene) housing that results in a sound profile characterized by deeper and more muted tones. The unique properties of POM contribute to a distinct auditory experience that softens the feedback, creating a sound that many users find comforting and engaging. While the top and bottom housings of the Sunset Yellow are both made from POM, effectively tying together the sound profile and feel, it diverges significantly from the crispness of the TTC Ice. The muted nature of POM allows for a more subdued experience, which could be preferable for those who desire less auditory distraction during long periods of typing or gaming.
Despite the differences in materials, both the TTC Ice and Everglide Sunset Yellow aim to provide satisfying typing experiences through their specific sound profiles. If users are looking for a switch that combines characteristics from both types, they might consider creating a customized setup that uses polycarbonate in the top and POM in the bottom, balancing out the sharpness of the Ice with the depth of the Sunset Yellow. By melding the resonant qualities of polycarbonate with the muted characteristics of POM, switch enthusiasts could find a harmonious sound profile that caters to a wider variety of preferences, ultimately achieving similar enjoyable results through thoughtful experimentation with housing pairs.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user experience. The TTC Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is lighter, with a 43-gram actuation force and a 51-gram bottom out force, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in weight means that the Sunset Yellow switch may be more suitable for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended periods at work or during gaming. Conversely, those who prefer a firmer feel might gravitate towards the heavier TTC Ice switch, which provides a more substantial push. Overall, while both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, the Sunset Yellow offers a lighter touch compared to the heavier feel of the TTC Ice.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Sunset Yellow the shorter option, providing a quicker actuation that many gamers appreciate for enhancing response times. In contrast, the Ice switch offers a more substantial depth, catering to those who prefer a more tactile experience when pressing their keys. While both switches aim to provide responsive performance, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow may feel more abrupt to some users, who might favor the richer feel of the Ice switch's longer travel distance. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 is known for delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound, contributing to a premium auditory experience while typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch boasts a captivating sound profile characterized as bassy and thocky, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Its deeper and richer sound adds a layer of enjoyment, making each keystroke feel indulgent. While sound perception can vary based on keycaps and the keyboard used, the fundamental differences highlight how the Ice offers a more subdued auditory experience compared to the vibrant, resonant tones of the Sunset Yellow.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch provides a smooth and responsive typing experience, although specific descriptors were not provided. The Sunset Yellow linear switch, however, excels in its creamy, frictionless, and polished characteristics, leading to an exceptionally smooth and buttery feel. The unique materials and factory lube method create a sensation that makes typing feel effortless and fluid. This disparity suggests that while both switches aim for a pleasant interaction, the Sunset Yellow offers a more refined and luxurious tactile experience compared to the general smoothness of the Ice.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches provide unique advantages for different preferences. The Ice is suitable for those who appreciate a premium typing sensation with a satisfying sound, while the Sunset Yellow focuses on delivering an indulgent auditory and tactile experience that’s creamy and fluid. Depending on your typing style and aesthetic preferences, both options can cater to a satisfying and engaging keyboard experience, allowing users to choose the one that resonates most with their personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch really depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out sound, particularly for gaming or typing tasks where you want a little more actuation resistance, the TTC Ice switch with its 60 grams of bottom-out force would be a fitting choice. Its smooth, responsive feel and crystal-clear design not only offer an aesthetically pleasing experience but also ensure a tactile feedback that can enhance your overall typing performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a richly immersive sound profile, the Sunset Yellow is an excellent option. With its medium-light 51 grams bottom-out force, it provides a creamy, frictionless typing experience, which is particularly appealing to those who like to glide effortlessly over keys. The bassy and thocky sound mimic the indulgent sound of mahjong tiles, making every keystroke a delightful auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor a more substantial feel with the TTC Ice or the silky smoothness of the Sunset Yellow; either way, both switches offer unique and enjoyable experiences tailored to different preferences.
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