TTC Flaming Pink vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Ice King Linear stand out as exceptional options, each tailored for distinct preferences. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and daily typing experiences. Their bright yet not overly loud sound profile makes them a favorite among those who seek an engaging yet unobtrusive audio feedback. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switches are renowned for their silky smooth typing experience, attributed to their full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. These switches deliver a creamy and polished feel, characterized by a subdued sound that appeals to users who prioritize a refined and quieter typing ambiance. While both switches offer unique advantages, selecting the right one ultimately depends on your individual typing style and usage scenario. 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
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Ice King Linear switches, the key differences lie primarily in their top housings. The Flaming Pink's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity allows it to resonate more effectively, creating a cleaner sound that is especially striking with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb sound more than polycarbonate. As a result, the sound profile from the Ice King Linear is characterized by a deeper and fuller quality, giving it a rounder, less lively response compared to the Flaming Pink.
In contrast, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which helps contribute to a more similar foundation in terms of acoustic characteristics. As noted, switches with nylon bottom housings deliver that desirable deeper sound profile, absorbing vibrations to create a rounder auditory experience. Since both the Flaming Pink and Ice King Linear share this nylon bottom, they can produce similar results when it comes to the overall sound while bottoming out, as the characteristics of nylon inherently create a softer response below this point.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the Flaming Pink and a nylon top in the Ice King Linear leads to distinct typing experiences. The Flaming Pink's sharper top-end sound contrasts with the Ice King Linear's deeper tonality, yet both benefit from their shared nylon bottom housings. Therefore, while users can anticipate different auditory sensations at the peak of the keystroke due to the varied top materials, they may find common ground in the deeper, more consistent sound produced when fully engaging the switches. This nuanced blend of materials results in unique yet complementary typing experiences, catering to different preferences regarding sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it feel more responsive and easier to use for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile push when typing. This distinction means that users looking for a lighter switch for comfort during extended use would find the Flaming Pink more suitable, while those who enjoy a firmer typing experience would lean towards the Ice King Linear. Overall, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, whereas the Ice King Linear is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, the Flaming Pink measures at 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the option for those who prefer a bit more depth with their keystrokes, providing a fuller feedback compared to the Ice King Linear. Conversely, the reduced travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and rapid key presses. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly favored in modern designs, especially among gamers. Ultimately, selecting between these two options depends on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud signature, resulting in a pleasing bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between being satisfying and unobtrusive. This makes it a versatile choice for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear features a more subdued sound, producing a dampened effect when pressed. While it's not completely silent, it offers a subtle auditory experience that enhances a quiet working or gaming environment. Both switches' sound can also be influenced by factors like the chosen keyboard case and keycap materials, suggesting that they can be tailored to achieve a variety of sound profiles with the right setup.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink is known for a smooth and responsive typing experience. However, exact descriptions of its tactile qualities are not provided. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear excels in creating an exceptionally silky and frictionless typing experience. With characteristics like creamy, polished, and an overall smooth travel, it minimizes resistance significantly, ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and effortless. The factory lubing of the Ice King switches enhances this experience even further, making them noticeably pleasant under the fingers.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. While the Flaming Pink presents a bright yet moderate sound suitable for various contexts, the Ice King Linear provides a more subdued auditory experience alongside an exceptionally smooth and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a more pronounced sound or an incredibly fluid typing sensation, as both can contribute to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences and uses. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Flaming Pink switch could be your ideal choice. Its smooth and responsive feel, paired with a satisfying sound profile, makes it excellent for both gaming and typing, particularly if you value a switch that allows for quick and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more robust typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Ice King Linear switch may be more suitable. Its silky, frictionless action and creamy texture provide a premium feel and a more subdued sound, making it perfect for serious typing sessions or a quieter work environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for key feel and sound, alongside the type of activities you’ll be engaging in while using your keyboard.
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