Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Matcha tactile switch. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, giving it qualities such as being frictionless and creamy. On the other hand, the Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, making it an accented and clacky option. While both switches have unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, diving deeper into their specific characteristics can help you determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear's housing materials consist of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of this plastic. In contrast, the KTT Matcha utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both switches provide distinct sound characteristics based on their housing materials, the Ice King Linear's nylon housing will likely produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the Matcha's polycarbonate housing, which is more clear and resonant.
Aesthetically, the Ice King Linear presents a classic switch design with its nylon housing, while the KTT Matcha offers a more modern look with its polycarbonate housing and translucent appearance. The Matcha's use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings enables it to be compatible with RGB lighting, adding a customizable touch to the overall switch design. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon housing may not offer the same visual appeal as the Matcha's polycarbonate housing, but both materials contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
In terms of performance, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Matcha play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. While nylon provides a softer and more absorbent quality to the Ice King Linear, resulting in a deeper sound profile, polycarbonate in the Matcha creates a sharper and more resonant sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel, as the housing materials contribute unique characteristics to each switch's overall performance.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch differ significantly. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Matcha has a lower actuation force of 40 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Matcha would be the better choice. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider based on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Matcha 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 looking for increased speed and precision. On the other hand, the Matcha tactile switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, giving a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the individual preferences of users seeking either a faster response or a more solid keystroke feel. 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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as clacky, delivering a sharp and snappy sound when typing, with a crisp and bright tone. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced by both switches.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Described as creamy and polished, these switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation while ensuring fluid key travel. In contrast, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is characterized as stepped and snappy, offering a responsive typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Matcha switch is feathery and subtle, requiring little exertion for key presses and maintaining a light typing feel suitable for extended use.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a subdued and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a clacky and responsive typing experience with a medium amount of tactility and feathery feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, both switches present distinct qualities that cater to different user needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a snappy tactility, and a clacky sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing preferences and sound sensitivity when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best matches your unique typing experience.
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