TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro 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 Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides a subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, allowing for a quiet and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is a linear switch known for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who value understated tactile experiences, the Ice King Linear appeals to those who prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the transparency of the polycarbonate in the Gold Brown Pro allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Ice King Linear feature nylon materials. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, each switch will offer a unique sound profile based on the combination of the top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear offer distinct sound profiles, they both showcase the versatility of nylon as a classic switch housing material. The differences in sound between the switches can be attributed to the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housings, as well as how these materials interact with the nylon bottom housing. Whether seeking a sharper, clearer sound profile with the Gold Brown Pro or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Ice King Linear, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, the actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ice King Linear is heavier at 62 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Ice King Linear for a more substantial typing experience. In cases where both forces are equal, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we find that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Ice King Linear's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. The Gold Brown Pro may provide a bit more depth to the key press, while the Ice King Linear offers a slightly quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. This means that users can expect a deep, satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle sound experience. Both switches aim to minimize distraction with their quiet keystrokes, allowing for a focused and undisturbed typing session.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch boasts polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped qualities. This indicates a smooth, refined finish with reduced friction, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch also offers a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, providing users with an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation. Both switches prioritize smooth key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for extended periods.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer a gentle tactile bump with a subdued sound profile or a silky smooth linear feel with minimal resistance, both switches aim to provide users with a pleasant and distraction-free typing session. With either switch, typists can expect to achieve similar results in terms of a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silky typing feel with minimal resistance, the Ice King Linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle tactile sensation or a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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