TTC Flaming Pink vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Ice King Tactile present two distinct yet appealing options for different types of typists and gamers. The Flaming Pink switches, known for their silky smoothness and clacky sound profile, provide a responsive and enjoyable experience, making them ideal for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Their vibrant yet not overly loud acoustics add to the allure, appealing to those who seek a premium feel without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches excel in delivering a uniquely satisfying tactile sensation, combining a pronounced tactile bump with creamy smoothness that elevates the typing experience to an art form. Designed for those who enjoy feedback in their keystrokes, the Ice King Tactile switches cater to users who appreciate a refined and polished feel. While both options offer their own strengths, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference between a linear experience and tactile feedback. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 comparing the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Ice King Tactile, the most notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is released. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination that effectively radiates through the switch. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile opts for a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction in sound characteristics directly affects the auditory experience when using each switch, with the Flaming Pink generating brighter tones and the Ice King Tactile producing more subdued, rounded sounds.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share a similar bottom housing made of nylon. The nylon bottom housing greatly influences the sound profile during key presses, contributing to a deeper and fuller experience. Since both switches use nylon at the bottom, users can expect comparable sound absorption characteristics when typing, resulting in a softer bottom-out feel and sound that contrasts with the sharper release tones produced by the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top. This similarity means that, regardless of the differences at the top, users will encounter a consistent auditory experience during key presses due to the shared nylon material in the bottom housings.
Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Ice King Tactile result from their differing top housing materials. The Flaming Pink, with its polycarbonate top, offers clear and resonant sounds, especially when releasing keys, whereas the Ice King Tactile, with its nylon top, provides a more muted auditory experience. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rich and full sound when pressed, allowing users to enjoy a similar typing experience at a fundamental level. Thus, while there are clear contrasts between the switches, the commonalities in their bottom designs contribute to an overlapping acoustic signature.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch presents a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. This difference suggests that while the Flaming Pink is easier to press and may lead to less fatigue during prolonged use, the Ice King offers a stronger feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer switch. Consequently, if you're seeking a lighter switch with a more effortless feel, the Flaming Pink would be the better choice, whereas the Ice King would appeal to users desiring a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, the Flaming Pink measures 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Tactile comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink offers a more pronounced feel when pressed, making it a better choice for those who prefer a bit more depth and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may appeal to gamers and users who value rapid response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, the Flaming Pink is the longer option, so if you prefer an enhanced tactile experience, you might lean towards it, whereas the Ice King would be ideal for quicker and more responsive keystrokes.
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 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 Flaming Pink switch boasts a clacky profile, characterized by its sharp and snappy auditory feedback. This provides a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that many typists and gamers find enjoyable and stimulating. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound. Although it is not completely silent, it produces a dampened auditory experience that is less intrusive compared to many other switches. This difference means that while the Flaming Pink provides an enthusiastic and lively sound, the Ice King Tactile delivers a more understated auditory feedback that may appeal to those who prefer less noise during their typing sessions.
As for the feel, both switches offer a silky smooth typing experience, which significantly enhances the overall typing comfort. The Flaming Pink provides an exceptionally smooth action with minimal resistance, making for a pleasurable typing experience that encourages fast and fluid keystrokes. The Ice King Tactile takes this a step further, being not only silky but also frictionless, providing an effortless typing experience that minimizes any sense of resistance. Additionally, the Ice King's polished characteristics mean that users can expect reduced friction and a sleek, refined feel as they press the keys. This combination results in an exceptional tactile experience that merges smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump.
In summary, both TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink excels in providing a vibrant and lively typing sound, while the Ice King Tactile offers a more muted and refined auditory experience. Both switches feature a smooth feel, but the Ice King enhances this with its frictionless and polished action. Users seeking a lively auditory experience may gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, whereas those favoring a more subdued sound and an elevated tactile response may prefer the Ice King. Ultimately, both options showcase a thoughtful design that can meet diverse typing and gaming needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch should ultimately hinge on your personal preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a light touch and crave a smooth and responsive feel, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option for both gaming and typing. Its clacky sound profile enhances the auditory feedback, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and subdued sound profile make it ideal for focused typing sessions where you want to experience distinct feedback without excessive noise. Both switches deliver a silky typing experience, but their unique characteristics cater to different styles. Assess your typing or gaming habits, and select the switch that aligns best with your needs—whether that be the lively, lighter Flaming Pink or the refined, tactile Ice King.
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