KTT Darling vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear, it's clear that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling is praised for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a bouncy and responsive feel that adds a springy touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube application. While the Darling provides a clacky and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the Ice King Linear offers a more subdued and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preferences 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
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and Durock Ice King Linear feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Darling has a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Ice King Linear has a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear is a classic choice for switch housings. While both housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, they have distinct characteristics that provide unique typing experiences. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Darling's top housing results in a more resonant sound, while the softer nylon material in the Ice King Linear creates a more muffled sound.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Darling and Durock Ice King Linear will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer a combination of different housing materials that affect the overall sound and feel of typing. While the Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper sound quality. Ultimately, users will need to test both switches to determine which one aligns best with their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch differ slightly in weight. The Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Darling switch will provide a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch offers a slightly more substantial push feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a bit more resistance in their typing. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium weight range, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch both 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 feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent typing experience. Despite any other differences between the two switches, the travel distance remains the same, ensuring that users will get similar results when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics, providing a crisp and engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, users may be drawn to the lively and resonant sound of the Darling or the smooth and understated sound of the Ice King Linear. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy feedback, giving users a springy and responsive typing sensation with each key press. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Whether someone prefers the lively bounce of the Darling or the smooth glide of the Ice King Linear will depend on their individual typing style and preferences.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a tactile and auditory experience characterized by bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If a user enjoys a bouncy and resonant typing sensation, they may lean towards the Darling, while those who prefer a silky smooth feel may find the Ice King Linear more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you are looking for a typing experience that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy with a pronounced high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the KTT Darling switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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