TTC Bluish White vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch. The Bluish White is favored for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience and snappy sound profile, giving it a reputation for being 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is known for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, earning it descriptors such as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. When deciding between the two, factors to consider could include whether you prefer a tactile or linear typing experience, the level of sound feedback you desire, and the overall feel of the switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. However, the difference lies in the top housing material; the Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound. Despite this contrast, both switches provide a unique sound experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
The polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Bluish White offers a more clear and resonant sound profile, perfect for those looking for a sharp and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, giving typists a more mellow and rounded typing experience. While their top housing materials differ in sound characteristics, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences. Additionally, the use of translucent polycarbonate in the Bluish White's top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a key role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Bluish White and Ice King Linear respectively results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, both switches offer a rich typing experience, showcasing the versatility and impact of housing materials on switch performance.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch. The Bluish White requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Ice King Linear needs 52 grams to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Bluish White may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear provides a slightly firmer typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch cater to different preferences in typing feel, with the Bluish White being lighter and the Ice King Linear being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent amount of travel between the top and bottom positions. The equal travel distance of these switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of keypress feel and feedback. While other factors may differentiate the two switches, such as actuation force or sound profile, their travel distance remains the same.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched and snappy sound profile, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch produces a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed, resulting in a more subtle sound signature. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, as sound perception can vary based on factors like keyboard build and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle resistance. Conversely, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimized resistance. Both switches offer a sleek typing experience with reduced friction, but the Bluish White switch may appeal more to those who prefer a more stepped and subtle tactile feedback, while the Ice King Linear switch is likely to be favored by those who value a super smooth and creamy typing feel.
Overall, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer unique and appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a low-pitched and snappy typing experience with a buttery and stepped feel, the Bluish White switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and silky smooth typing sensation with a creamy and frictionless feel, the Ice King Linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. If you enjoy a light tactile feedback with a snappy sound profile and a low-pitched, buttery feel, the Bluish White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silky smooth typing experience, a subdued sound profile, and a polished, frictionless feel, the Ice King Linear switch might be more to your liking. Consider how you type, the sound profile you prefer, and the level of tactile feedback you are looking for when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style.
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