TTC Ice vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two popular linear options that offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Ice switch is renowned for its stunning crystal-clear transparent design, providing a visually striking addition to any keyboard. Users appreciate its smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a premium typing experience suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, appealing particularly to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While both switches fall under the linear category, the TTC Ice leans more towards an aesthetically pleasing and tactile experience, while the Yellow Silver emphasizes a lightweight and rapid response for quick action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, a significant similarity arises in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate. This shared material leads to a distinctly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile across both switches. Thanks to the stiffness and translucency of polycarbonate, both switch models promise clear and resonant sound characteristics, making them particularly advantageous for users who prioritize aesthetic lighting effects. RGB lighting shines through both top housings effectively, enhancing the visual appeal while maintaining sound quality when a key is activated.

However, the contrast becomes evident when examining the bottom housing materials. The TTC Ice employs polycarbonate here as well, echoing the same attributes found in its top housing. This consistency in material choice contributes to a uniform sound profile that is both crisp and clear throughout the keys’ actuation. In stark contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a nylon bottom housing. Known for its softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. This variation means that while the top sound characteristics of the Ice and Yellow Silver may align, the bottom-out feel and sound will notably differ due to the nylon's ability to mellow and round out the auditory experience.

Ultimately, when evaluating the overall performance of both switch types, one can expect a harmonious blending of sound profiles—particularly during actuation and release. The Ice's dual polycarbonate construction promises a consistent sound experience, while the Yellow Silver’s combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom introduces a depth that alters the character of the bottom-out sound. Users seeking a crisper sound may gravitate towards the Ice, while those who prefer a fuller auditory experience may find the Yellow Silver more appealing. Thus, even though both switches employ polycarbonate in their upper housings, the contrasting materials in their bottom housings create distinct tactile and auditory profiles that cater to varied preferences.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar ease of keystroke triggering, which is beneficial for long typing or gaming sessions. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Ice switch requiring 60 grams to bottom out versus the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. This makes the Yellow Silver a marginally lighter option in terms of bottoming out, catering to users who prefer less resistance during prolonged use. Therefore, for those who enjoy a softer feel and lighter force without sacrificing actuation, the Outemu Yellow Silver may be the more attractive choice, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the TTC Ice switch due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The TTC Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Yellow Silver features a travel distance of 4 mm, categorizing it as the longer switch. This distinction is significant, especially for users who prioritize responsiveness, as the shorter travel distance of the Ice switch could facilitate quicker key presses beneficial for gaming. Conversely, those who favor a more pronounced key feel may prefer the Yellow Silver switch, with its deeper travel distance offering a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Ice linear switch offers a uniquely satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to a premium typing experience, making it appealing for both gaming and casual typing. Its stunning crystal-clear design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also adds a visual element to the auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch features a neutral sound profile, which strikes a balance between not being too loud or too quiet. This quality makes it versatile for various environments, suitable for both home and office use. The neutral sound ensures that it can accommodate users regardless of whether they are beginners or more experienced typists, allowing for a more adaptable experience across different scenarios.

When it comes to feel, the Ice switch is characterized by a smooth and responsive action, providing a satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate. This responsiveness is great for gamers who rely on quick reactions and tactile feedback during play. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is designed with a light actuation force, which enhances speediness and responsiveness, catering specifically to those who prioritize quick key presses. The light actuation makes it easier to type and game efficiently, contributing to overall comfort during extended use.

In summary, both the TTC Ice and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches provide appealing attributes that enhance the typing experience. The Ice excels in delivering a premium auditory quality alongside its smooth feel, while the Yellow Silver focuses on a more neutral sound and lighter action to promote speed and adaptability. Regardless of your preference, both switches are engineered to deliver satisfying results, whether for gaming or everyday typing, making them excellent choices for newcomers eager to dive into the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between TTC Ice linear switches and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and typing habits. If you value a slightly heavier bottom-out force and appreciate a more premium feel, especially for mixed usage scenarios like both gaming and day-to-day typing, the TTC Ice switch may be the better option for you. Its smooth actuation and satisfying sound profile can enhance your overall typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy the tactile pleasure of typing on a keyboard. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in gaming or prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch could be your go-to choice. Its medium-light actuation force and neutral sound profile make it versatile for various tasks and comfortable for long sessions. In summary, consider your activities—whether you need a balance of gaming and typing with the Ice or faster performance and lighter feel with the Yellow Silver—and choose accordingly to maximize your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more