TTC Gold Silver vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Ice King Linear are two popular options to consider. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel that results in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. This switch also offers a harmonious sound signature and a smooth journey from press to bottoming out, blending speed, sound, and fluidity seamlessly. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While both switches offer unique characteristics and benefits, such as the Gold Silver's polished and thocky feel and the Ice King Linear's frictionless and creamy touch, ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences 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
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on these switches a more immersive experience. While both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housing, the impact that nylon has on the overall sound quality is consistent between the two.
However, the Gold Silver differentiates itself with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which also produces a deeper and fuller sound profile but with a softer and more absorbent quality. These differing materials provide a unique typing experience for users, with the Gold Silver offering a more precise and resonant sound while the Ice King Linear creates a softer and dulled sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches can greatly impact the typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings in switches like the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Ice King Linear allows for a distinct sound profile when pressing down on a key versus letting go. The characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate contribute to the overall sound quality and feel of the switch, making each keystroke a tactile and auditory delight. While both switches share nylon in their bottom housing, the differing top housing materials give each switch its own unique sound signature and typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Silver switch does not provide information, while the Ice King Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear switch requires more force to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Gold Silver switch would be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch would be ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Gold Silver or the Ice King Linear, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch is best described as thocky and low-pitched, offering a deep and rich sound profile with a satisfying thud when pressed. The sound is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Gold Silver offering a more pronounced and satisfying sound while the Ice King Linear provides a quieter and more understated typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics. These switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a luxurious and fluid typing feel, with the Gold Silver leaning towards a more polished and mild feel and the Ice King Linear focusing on a creamy and frictionless sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and subtle feel, while the Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, but users can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience regardless of their choice. If a user enjoys one switch, they are likely to find similar satisfaction in the other due to the comparable level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in their design.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that prioritizes rapid responsiveness and a satisfying sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its shortened travel and smooth keystrokes, you can expect a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with generous factory lube and a subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value swift action and resonant sound or a smooth and effortless typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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