TTC Brother vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile are two standout options that cater to different preferences. The TTC Brother is celebrated for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a breezy and responsive typing experience that is topped off with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying typing experience that is both smooth and tactile. While the Brother excels in delivering a crisp click with clear precision, the Ice King Tactile provides a more subdued and polished tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes 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
37g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Both the TTC Brother and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While the Brother's top housing may deliver a more resonant sound, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a more rounded and dull sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the TTC Brother and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar sound experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that they deliver a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the TTC Brother and the Durock Ice King Tactile plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While the Brother's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both switches' utilization of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile switch's heavier actuation force of 58 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is not provided, while the Ice King Tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 68 grams. In terms of weight, the Brother clicky switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch is better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences in typing experience. Overall, if both switches have the same actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is exactly the same, both measuring in at 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent tactile feedback with the same level of travel distance. Despite any other differences between the two switches, in terms of travel distance, they will provide a similar typing experience.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy experience that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a satisfying and precise auditory feedback. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Brother appealing to those who enjoy a more distinctive and audible typing sound, while the Ice King Tactile is ideal for those seeking a quieter tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance that enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue. It also features a stepped design, offering a more subdued tactile bump compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch boasts a silky and frictionless feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. It also has a polished finish that contributes to a sleek and refined tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Brother focusing on easy actuation and a stepped feel, while the Ice King Tactile prioritizes smoothness and fluid key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Brother excels in providing a crunchy and clearly audible typing sound with an easy-to-press tactile feedback, while the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches delivering high-quality performance and unique tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a lightweight actuation force with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a balanced tactile bump, the Brother switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a creamy smoothness, pronounced tactile bump, and a more subdued sound, the Ice King Tactile switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
