TTC Brother vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight nature, with an actuation force of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both easy-to-press and satisfyingly crunchy. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, giving it a silky and frictionless feel. While the Brother switch is known for its crisp clicky sound and tactile bump, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its subdued and creamy keystrokes. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and advantages, appealing to different preferences. 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
37g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. However, the Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material used in the Brother's top housing creates a more resonant sound, while the nylon material in the Ice King Linear's top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, the difference in their top housing materials brings about distinct sound characteristics. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for those seeking a higher-pitched sound with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving typists a more muted and rounded sound experience. This disparity showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and the Durock Ice King Linear will depend on the user's preference for sound and typing experience. The Brother's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's full nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in creating a unique typing experience. Whether seeking a clear and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer different options for users to customize their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we find significant differences. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's heavier 52 grams. The Brother's bottom out force is unknown, while the Ice King Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it more substantial. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the TTC Brother may be the better option. In contrast, users seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Durock Ice King Linear due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of key press depth. This means that whether you choose the Brother clicky switch or the Ice King Linear switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance when typing or gaming. They both provide a satisfying tactile response and actuation point, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users. As a result, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is negligible, making them equally reliable and suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Each keypress delivers a clear and crisp click that is sure to please clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a more subdued sound that is dampened when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to other switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that will cater to different preferences, with the Brother providing a louder and more pronounced click while the Ice King Linear offers a quieter and more understated typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a low-impact typing feel. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the articulate feedback of the tactile bump strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable without being overpowering. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. The switch feels frictionless and creamy, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid keypress with polished key travel. Both switches excel in delivering a comfortable and responsive typing experience, catering to individuals who prefer different levels of tactile feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Brother stands out for its audible crunchy sound and easy-to-press nature, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a tactile and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Linear excels in providing a smooth, frictionless, and creamy typing feel, ideal for those looking for a more subdued sound profile and a silky typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lightweight, tactile typing experience with a crunchy sound signature and a gentle actuation force, the Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing feel with medium resistance and a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear linear switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs.
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