TTC Gold Brown vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and Durock Ice King Linear stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Gold Brown is favored for its balanced nature, offering a slight bump for tactile feedback coupled with a moderate weightiness. Its rounded sound profile is softer than many switches, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a frictionless and creamy feel while typing. 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
55g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Ice King Linear both feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound creates a duller and rounder tone compared to stiffer plastics. However, the Gold Brown stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for clearer and more resonant sound, ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both the Gold Brown and the Ice King Linear share a nylon bottom housing, their top housings differ significantly. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique sound experience with its sharp and clear profile, distinct from the rounder and deeper sound produced by the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. The choice of housing material in the top housing plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound characteristics of the switch, with polycarbonate providing a brighter and more resonant tone compared to nylon.
In terms of overall sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Ice King Linear offer contrasting experiences due to their different top housing materials. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller tone. However, both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent deeper sound profile for typing. Regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches offer quality sound experiences, catering to different preferences in key feel and acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, providing a balanced typing experience. The Gold Brown is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Ice King Linear is slightly lighter. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ice King Linear for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the more substantial push feel of the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Brown switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional feel compared to the shallower 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ice King Linear switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gold Brown switch. Both switches offer a different feel and response, so ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown and Durock Ice King switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced sound profile that is moderately weighted with a slight, satisfying bump, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a subdued sound with a smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube application. When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience with a buttery, accented, and polished feel, providing a comfortable middle ground for most users. In contrast, the Ice King Linear provides a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation. Overall, both switches excel in their respective categories, with the Gold Brown appealing to those seeking a balanced tactile experience, while the Ice King Linear caters to users looking for a smooth and refined linear switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but rest assured that both switches offer high-quality performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering which switch to choose between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value a balanced typing experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, along with a softer sound profile that is not completely silent, then the Gold Brown may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with full nylon construction and generous factory lube, alongside a subdued sound profile that offers a more subtle sound signature, then the Ice King Linear might be more appealing to you. Both switches have their unique qualities and excel in different areas, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
