Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Mallo offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Ice King Linear provides a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it ideal for those who prefer a frictionless and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch offers a subtle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering, along with a neutral sound signature that makes it suitable for various typing environments. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Mallo utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Ice King Linear opts for nylon while the Mallo uses polycarbonate. This key difference leads to contrasting sound profiles, with the Ice King Linear offering a deeper sound due to nylon's properties, while the Mallo produces a sharper and crisper sound thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the KTT Mallo allows for a clear housing that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of transparency for RGB effects. However, when it comes to sound, the softer nylon material of the Ice King Linear's top housing absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their choice of housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Mallo share the same bottom housing material, the choice of nylon for the Ice King Linear's top housing and polycarbonate for the Mallo's top housing leads to distinct sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon in the Ice King Linear creates a deeper sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Mallo generates a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches based on the qualities each housing material brings to the overall feel and sound of the switch.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams, while the Mallo only needs 55 grams. This makes the Mallo the lighter option between the two switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mallo may be the better choice for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Linear offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Mallo switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired responsiveness.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 offers a subdued sound profile that is dampened and subtle, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch also boasts a neutral sound profile with a subdued characteristic, providing a moderate sound level that is versatile for various typing environments.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is renowned for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless key press that minimizes resistance. Additionally, the switch is described as creamy and polished, further enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery and mild typing feel, providing a gentle tactile feedback that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch is also noted for its stepped and subtle tactile characteristics, offering a more subdued tactile bump compared to other switches.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear provides a smoother and more polished typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Mallo switch offers a gentle tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for typing experience and sound level, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Mallo switches, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Ice King Linear would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a subtle sound signature, the Mallo switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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