TTC Honey vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey 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, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Durock Ice King Linear. The TTC Honey is lauded for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a pleasant typing experience with a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While both switches share characteristics such as being frictionless and polished, the Honey is described as more subdued and buttery, whereas the Ice King Linear is noted for its silky and creamy qualities. 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
42g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Durock Ice King Linear, one key difference lies in their top housing composition. The Honey boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Honey's polycarbonate top housing produces a more resonant sound, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing offers a rounder and duller sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing component, both the TTC Honey and the Durock Ice King Linear exhibit similar characteristics in terms of material composition. Both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to a clear and resonant typing experience. Despite utilizing the same material for their bottom housing, the two switches achieve distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing to create a unified sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing adds depth to its overall sound quality.
With separate top and bottom housing materials, the TTC Honey and the Durock Ice King Linear offer a unique typing experience for users. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a dynamic sound profile that combines the individual characteristics of each material. Whether it's the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Honey or the fuller, rounder sound of nylon in the Ice King Linear, each switch delivers a distinct typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch with an actuation force of 52 grams, making the Honey switch easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force while the Ice King Linear switch needs 62 grams, indicating that the Ice King Linear switch would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the TTC Honey switch, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Durock Ice King Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Honey switch provides a slightly deeper travel feel compared to the Ice King switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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, both the TTC Honey and Durock Ice King Linear switches are described as producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. This means that both switches are suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Honey switch is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with a smooth and buttery sensation. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and factory lubrication. Both switches are designed to minimize resistance and provide a fluid travel with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing feel for users.
In conclusion, both the TTC Honey and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches produce a subdued sound and provide a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Whether you choose the Honey or Ice King Linear switch, you can expect a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience with a focus on smoothness and ease of use. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the specific keyboard setup you are using.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, then the TTC Honey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with full nylon construction and generous factory lube, then the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches.
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