TTC Gold Red vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, both offer a buttery smooth typing experience, making them ideal choices for those who prioritize feel and comfort in their mechanical keyboards. The Gold Red provides a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile, adding a touch of personality without being too overbearing. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued and creamy feel. Both switches are categorized as polished and offer a neutral 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
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon material used in the Ice King Linear absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, producing a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in housing materials highlights the importance of material choice in achieving different sound profiles in mechanical switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Ice King Linear utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the overall sound and typing experience of each switch may still vary based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials used.
When comparing the overall sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is clear that the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials highlights how each component impacts the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in mechanical switches can greatly affect the overall sound profile and typing feel, catering to different preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red is lighter while the Ice King Linear is heavier. The actuation force of the Gold Red is 43 grams, whereas the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams, whereas the Ice King Linear needs 62 grams. This means that the Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to users who prefer either a lighter or heavier typing experience.Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear 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 Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear. The 4 mm travel distance of the Gold Red is more traditional and provides a deeper key press experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a hearty depth when typing. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ice King Linear offers a slightly shallower key press, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying deep tone when pressed. This switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various use cases. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued sound, offering a more dampened and subtle sound signature. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Gold Red providing a more pronounced sound while the Ice King Linear offering a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the TTC Gold Red and Durock Ice King Linear switches are described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches provide a gentle resistance, making them suitable for users looking for a light and comfortable typing feel. The Gold Red switch is also noted for its mild and subtle qualities, providing an approachable and refined typing experience. Similarly, the Ice King Linear switch is highlighted for its frictionless and creamy feel, allowing for effortless key presses and a buttery typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, both the TTC Gold Red and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red switch may provide a slightly more pronounced sound profile, the Ice King Linear switch offers a quieter and more subdued typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches deliver a silky and polished typing feel, with smooth key travel and minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, but users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience and enjoy a snappy sound profile, the TTC Gold Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium level of resistance and a silky smooth typing feel with generous factory lube, the Durock Ice King Linear may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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