TTC Bluish White vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Ice King Tactile are two options that stand out for their tactile typing experience. The Bluish White is celebrated for its poppy typing experience and snappy sound profile, falling into categories like 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a unique and satisfying typing experience categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', and 'Stepped'. Both switches excel in providing tactile feedback, but each offers a different feel and sound. While the Bluish White is described as low-pitched and polished, the Ice King Tactile is known for its subdued and polished characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
The TTC Bluish White and the Durock Ice King Tactile both feature nylon bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches allows for a more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the TTC Bluish White or the Durock Ice King Tactile.
In contrast, the TTC Bluish White employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound when compared to nylon. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which also provides a deeper and fuller sound profile but with a duller and rounder tone. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a different typing experience compared to the Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, while the different housing materials used in the top and bottom of the switches may result in varying sound profiles and typing experiences, both the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Ice King Tactile offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound with nylon, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Bluish White may be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Ice King Tactile may provide a more satisfying experience. Both switches offer unique strengths based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches 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 distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similar travel distance ensures that users will get the same tactile feedback and key response with either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched and poppy typing experience, providing a satisfyingly bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch presents a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and more subtle sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth, gentle, stepped, light typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. In comparison, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, delivering an exceptionally smooth, effortless, stepped typing experience with minimal resistance and fluid key travel.
Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a low-pitched, poppy sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel, the TTC Bluish White switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subdued sound with a silky, frictionless, and polished feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with remarkable finesse. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Bluish White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a creamy smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, and a subdued sound signature, the Durock Ice King Tactile could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
