TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile are both excellent options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback, with a gentle bump that allows for an immersive typing experience without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds. While the Gold Brown Pro is characterized by its low-pitched and polished feel, the Ice King Tactile boasts a frictionless and subdued profile. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile feature similar nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. However, the Gold Brown Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, perfect for those looking to enhance their typing experience with a switch featuring a clear top housing for RGB lighting.
While both switches share nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the differences in their top housings significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique sound profile that is sharper and more resonant, enhancing the switch's tactile feedback. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more muted typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the sharp, crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper, rounder sound of the nylon top housing.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile ultimately comes down to individual sound preferences. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deep sound profile, the differences in their top housings offer distinct audio experiences. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users who prefer a more muted typing sensation. Whether you prioritize sharpness or depth in your switch's sound profile, both options provide unique acoustic qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are notable differences. The Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's heavier 58 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Ice King Tactile requires a medium-heavy 68 grams to bottom out. If the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is similar or lower than its actuation force, it would provide a lighter typing experience overall. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile would offer a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding typing pressure and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their switches. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance, catering to users seeking a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the feel and feedback of the switch's travel distance.
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 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 Gold Brown Pro offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a satisfying and bass-heavy tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most typing scenarios without being too obtrusive. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile produces a more subdued sound, dampened and subtle in nature, creating a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Gold Brown Pro excelling in richness and depth, while the Ice King Tactile emphasizes a more muted and refined sound.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro is characterized by its polished, silky, and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. It also has a stepped feel, providing a nuanced keystroke with two distinct stages for feedback. Similarly, the Ice King Tactile boasts a silky and frictionless feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Like the Gold Brown Pro, the Ice King Tactile also features a stepped sensation, adding a subtle complexity to each keystroke. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, with the Gold Brown Pro leaning towards a more polished and mild feel, while the Ice King Tactile emphasizes a frictionless and refined touch.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and mild typing feel, focusing on understated tactility and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile delivers a subdued sound and a silky, frictionless feel, combining creamy smoothness with pronounced tactility for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users will find a tactile switch that meets their specific needs and enhances their overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you should opt for the Gold Brown Pro if you are someone who values a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile. The Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a polished and silky typing experience without any harsh distractions. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more pronounced tactile bump and a creamy smooth feel with a slightly dampened sound, the Ice King Tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle and understated tactile experience or a more pronounced and satisfying tactile sensation in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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