TTC Ice vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the TTC Ice, a linear switch, and the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences. The Ice switch is renowned for its crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel, providing a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday tasks, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and seamless keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches deliver a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate the tactile sensation without being overly pronounced. Their balanced sound profile enhances the overall experience, perfect for typists who enjoy a gentle tactile cue while they type. With these varied attributes, it's clear that each switch caters to specific user preferences; 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Gateron Weightlessness, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in their composition and resultant sound characteristics. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, both known for their rigidity. This rigidity leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity of typing. The polycarbonate's translucence not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal, especially under RGB lighting, but also emphasizes the clear and resonant attributes the material provides. Such qualities are advantageous for users looking for a switch that offers pronounced acoustic feedback, making each keystroke feel distinct and lively.
In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs nylon for its housing, both top and bottom. Nylon is celebrated for its softer composition, which inherently leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The material’s ability to absorb sound results in a more muted sonic experience compared to the Ice, creating a typing atmosphere that feels plush and rounded. As a classic switch housing material, nylon offers a traditional tactile response that many users find comforting. Therefore, while the Ice delivers a more vibrant auditory experience, the Weightlessness provides a smoother, more subdued sound, catering to those who prefer a softer typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in the housing materials directly impact the final typing response. For the TTC Ice, the uniformity of polycarbonate throughout both housings ensures a cohesive sound and feel that emphasizes clarity and sharpness. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its soft nylon housing, articulates a deeper sound profile that excels in producing a rounder, more muted acoustics. Should users desire to achieve similar acoustic effects across either switch, they would need to recognize the contributions of each individual housing material—where the Ice’s sharper output shines on release and the Weightlessness’ fuller resonance prevails on actuation. This nuanced interaction between top and bottom housing provides distinct tactile experiences depending on the materials used.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see a distinction in their actuation forces, with the Ice requiring 45 grams to actuate, while the Weightlessness has a higher actuation force of 50 grams. This means the TTC Ice is the lighter switch, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a firmer feel when typing. Both switches provide clarity in terms of actuation force, but the Gateron Weightlessness falls short with its bottom out force, which is currently unavailable. In contrast, the Ice has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, reinforcing its medium weight classification. This information could make the Ice a preferable choice for users who enjoy a balanced typing experience, while the Weightlessness might appeal to those seeking that tactile feedback in a heavier switch. Overall, while the TTC Ice is lighter and provides known bottom out metrics, the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation feel, leaving some aspects of its performance undefined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Weightlessness may be the more suitable option, given its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the TTC Ice offers a slightly deeper experience, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you favor quicker actuation for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Gateron Weightlessness will provide that benefit, whereas the TTC Ice could be more appealing for those who appreciate a fuller keypress.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience. This sound, while smooth and pleasant, is characteristic of linear switches and tends to be less pronounced than tactile or clicky options. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile features. The sound generated by the Weightlessness switches is subtle to moderate, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience while still enjoying some auditory feedback from their keystrokes. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, and the final sound will also depend on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material used.
When considering the feel, the TTC Ice switch is recognized for its smooth and responsive action. This fluidity is ideal for users who prioritize speed and efficiency, particularly in gaming scenarios where quick inputs are necessary. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch features a tactile bump that provides a clear indication of the actuation point. This subtle feedback enhances typing accuracy while maintaining a comfortable experience for everyday use. While the Ice provides a seamless typing experience, the Weightlessness caters to those who enjoy a more tactile interaction with their switches.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer enjoyable experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Ice focuses on smoothness and a satisfying auditory feedback suitable for dynamic use, while the Weightlessness strikes a balance between tactile feedback and sound, making it appealing for those who appreciate a slight bump in their keystrokes. Depending on your needs—whether for gaming or typing—each switch can provide a compelling experience, and you can achieve a similar level of satisfaction based on your personal typing style and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Ice linear switches and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, linear typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound and a moderate actuation force, the TTC Ice switches are an excellent choice. They are particularly suitable for gamers or typists who enjoy fast, uninterrupted keystrokes and appreciate the aesthetic appeal of their crystal-clear design. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without overwhelming noise, the Gateron Weightlessness switches may be more to your liking. These switches provide a subtle tactile bump, making them ideal for those who want to feel each keystroke while maintaining a balanced and pleasant sound profile. In essence, consider the TTC Ice for an immersive gaming experience or smooth everyday use, while the Gateron Weightlessness will serve well for typists who value tactile sensations and sound moderation.
Mentioned in this article
