TTC Gold Brown vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile are both popular choices for tactile enthusiasts. The Gold Brown is praised for its balanced feel, offering a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. It also produces a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile is known for elevating tactile typing to an art form, combining creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a unique typing experience. While both switches offer a tactile feel, the Gold Brown is described as 'Neutral' and 'Mild' while the Ice King Tactile is labeled as 'Silky' and 'Frictionless'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is particularly useful for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than polycarbonate to create a rounder tone. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
On the other hand, both the Gold Brown and the Ice King Tactile utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This material's softer nature compared to polycarbonate leads to a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a deeper typing experience. When comparing the two switches, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent feel and sound regardless of the top housing material. Whether it's the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing or the Ice King Tactile's, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of depth and resonance.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile ultimately boils down to the desired sound profile and typing experience. While the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a consistent and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper or rounder sound profile, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, both have medium actuation forces but the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, making it medium-heavy. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Gold Brown may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force but differ slightly in bottom out force, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, we find that the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Brown offers a traditional 4.0mm travel distance, while the Ice King Tactile falls on the shorter end at 3.5 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Ice King Tactile a popular choice for gaming setups. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Gold Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference on key feel and responsiveness.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch is characterized by a balanced and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound, creating a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback, with the Gold Brown being a bit more rounded and the Ice King Tactile being smoother and more refined. The sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps attached.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing experience. These qualities combine to provide a comfortable and approachable typing sensation that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished feel. This creates an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a unique tactile bump and smooth key travel. Both switches excel in providing users with a satisfying and enjoyable tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct but equally impressive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown provides a balanced and neutral sound with a mild and buttery typing feel, while the Ice King Tactile offers a subdued sound with a silky and frictionless typing experience. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a high level of tactile satisfaction and a premium typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a balanced tactile bump, along with a rounded and softer sound profile, the Gold Brown would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, and a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Choose the switch that aligns best with your individual preferences and typing style.
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