TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear, we see a contrast in their characteristics. The TTC Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that suits any environment. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear is known for its silky smooth typing feel thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability and ease of press, the Ice King Linear stands out for its smoothness and frictionless feel. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. However, the Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a different typing experience compared to the Gold Red Pro.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound profile of the switches, it is important to note that the combination of the top and bottom housings plays a significant role. The differences in stiffness and sound absorption between the polycarbonate and nylon materials affect both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. While both the Gold Red Pro and Ice King Linear utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in the Gold Red Pro results in a distinct sound profile compared to the Durock Ice King Linear with nylon top housing.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gold Red Pro and the Ice King Linear, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these variations, the bottom housing materials remain the same for both switches, resulting in a consistent depth and fullness in sound when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel, as both offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the Ice King Linear requires a heavier 62 grams to fully press down. This means that the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a more tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Gold Red Pro catering to those who prefer a lighter typing experience and the Ice King Linear appealing to those who prefer a heavier and more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for faster response times, especially among gamers. The Gold Red Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more cushioned feel compared to the Ice King Linear. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gold Red Pro may be more suitable, whereas if you prefer a slightly shorter and quicker key press, the Ice King Linear may be the better option. In terms of overall travel distance, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer distance compared to the Ice King Linear.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is neither too noisy nor too quiet, making it suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued sound that is dampened and subtle, offering a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant auditory experience, with the Gold Red Pro having a more neutral tone compared to the Ice King Linear's more subdued sound.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer a silky smooth typing experience. The Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a refined and gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Similarly, the Ice King Linear switch is also described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an effortless and buttery typing experience that is incredibly smooth and satisfying. Both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction, making them ideal choices for users looking for a premium typing experience.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and Durock Ice King Linear switches provide outstanding qualities in terms of sound and feel, offering a versatile and enjoyable typing experience for users. While the Gold Red Pro switch has a slightly more neutral sound profile compared to the Ice King Linear's more subdued sound, both switches feature a silky smooth feel that prioritizes smooth key travel and reduced friction. Whether you choose the Gold Red Pro for its versatility or the Ice King Linear for its silky smoothness, you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a versatile switch that offers a neutral sound profile, a moderate actuation force requirement, and a polished typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a silky smooth typing experience, full nylon construction, and a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear could be the perfect fit. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and environment when making your decision. Ultimately, either switch will provide you with a satisfying typing experience based on your individual needs.
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