Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Laurel mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. The Ice King Linear stands out for its silky and frictionless feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, while the Laurel boasts a medium-light actuation force with its full POM housing and short travel distance. The Ice King Linear is described as subdued and creamy, whereas the Laurel is known for its low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel. Both switches have their unique features that cater to different preferences in 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
52g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
22m spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Laurel utilize unique housing materials for their switches, with the Ice King Linear featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, and the Laurel featuring a POM top and bottom housing. While both of these materials are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, nylon tends to absorb more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, POM creates a more muted sound that is on the deeper side, offering a pleasing and unique typing experience.
Despite their differences in material, both the Ice King Linear and the Laurel switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon and POM housing materials both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a satisfying auditory experience for users. Additionally, the impact of the housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a balanced typing experience with a consistent sound profile throughout each keystroke.
While the Ice King Linear and the Laurel switches may have different housing materials, they both prioritize delivering a premium typing experience. The use of nylon and POM in the construction of these switches showcases a commitment to creating a unique sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether it's the absorbing nature of nylon creating a duller sound or the muted quality of POM offering a deeper tone, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts looking for a high-quality switch option for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King Linear is heavier with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Laurel is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium force requirements, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Laurel offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ice King being heavier and the Laurel being lighter in comparison.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Laurel linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches offer the same tactile experience with a consistent travel distance, allowing for a smooth typing or gaming experience. The travel distance of 3.5mm ensures that users will get a satisfying feedback without the need for excessive force when pressing down on the keys. Overall, whether you choose the Durock Ice King Linear or the KTT Laurel linear switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a subtle and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch boasts a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a unique auditory feedback while typing. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, as both switches offer distinct acoustic characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. This results in an exceptionally smooth keystroke with minimized resistance, allowing for effortless typing. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing feel due to its longer or dual-staged springs. The Laurel switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a tactile feedback that keeps the typing experience dynamic and engaging.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Laurel switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with its subdued sound and silky feel, the Laurel switch provides a more responsive and dynamic typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prioritizes a quiet and smooth typing experience or a more tactile and responsive feel. Both switches offer high-quality performance, ensuring that regardless of the choice, the user will experience a top-notch typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Laurel linear switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a silky smooth feel with a medium bottom out force and a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a snappy typing experience, then the KTT Laurel switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to prioritize what factors are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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