Durock Ice King Linear vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Iron both offer unique qualities worth considering. the Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, giving it a smooth, frictionless, subdued, creamy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the TTC Iron boasts a distinctive clacky sound signature with light actuation for swift typing sessions, categorized as easy-to-press, clacky, mild, neutral. While both switches have their strengths, such as precision and pleasure in every keystroke for the Iron and a smooth and creamy feel for the Ice King Linear, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
52g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Iron both use different materials for their housing, with the Ice King Linear featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Iron uses a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings produce a unique and pleasing sound, with a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both housings aim to enhance the typing experience by altering the sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear will contribute to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, whereas the POM bottom housing of the TTC Iron will result in a more muted bottom-out experience. Similarly, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear will produce a round and dull sound when releasing a key, while the POM top housing of the Iron will create a unique and pleasing sound profile upon key release.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Iron ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both housing materials serve to enhance the typing experience, the nylon and POM materials bring unique qualities to the switches. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, with the nylon housing of the Ice King Linear offering a deeper sound profile, and the POM housing of the TTC Iron producing a more muted and unique sound. Ultimately, users can expect a premium typing experience from either switch, depending on their preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Iron's 41 grams, making the Ice King Linear a bit heavier in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ice King Linear is 62 grams, while the Iron has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Iron offers a lighter touch for a smoother typing sensation. For those who prefer a heavier force for typing, the Ice King Linear would be the better option, while the Iron would be suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the individual preferences of users.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Iron linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Ice King Linear offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch provides a slightly deeper keystroke, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more muffled and subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch is recognized for its clacky sound signature, delivering a sharp and snappy sound with each press. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be more suitable, while the Iron switch would appeal to those seeking a more audible and tactile response.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is celebrated for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced resistance. In contrast, the TTC Iron linear switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, providing gentle resistance and a comfortable typing feel. If you value a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Ice King Linear switch would be the ideal choice, whereas the Iron switch would be favorable for those who prefer a lighter actuation force and a more laid-back typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, thanks to its subdued sound profile and silky feel. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch provides a more audible and tactile response, with easy-to-press characteristics and a mild feel. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard typing experience. As both switches offer distinct qualities, you can expect different but equally satisfying results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced clacky sound signature for a satisfying typing experience, the TTC Iron linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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