Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a popular choice for those seeking a frictionless and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Miaowu Switch from KTT stands out for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, utilizing POK in its stem for a bouncy and clacky typing experience. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that can appeal to different users' preferences; 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
2.00 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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Miaowu, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity suggests that typing on both switches will produce a similar tactile experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear contrasts with the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu. While nylon provides a softer and fuller sound profile, polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in top housing materials may lead to differences in the overall sound profile and typing experience between the two switches.
The aesthetic differences between the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Miaowu are also notable when considering their housing materials. The transparent polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear does not offer the same level of translucency and visual appeal. Despite this difference in appearance, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which suggests that the typing experience may be more similar in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the switches. However, the impact of the top housing material on the sound when releasing a key may vary between the two switches, with polycarbonate likely offering a crisper sound compared to nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Miaowu plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the contrast between the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear and the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu results in differences in sound characteristics. The Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. These differences, along with the aesthetic differences in housing materials, contribute to the overall typing experience and visual appeal of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is clear that they differ in weight. The Ice King Linear has a medium actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Miaowu is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ice King being the heavier option and the Miaowu being the lighter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users opting for a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Miaowu linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it is evident that they offer a similar feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches provide a consistent and smooth experience for users as they type or game. The travel distance of 3.5 mm ensures that the keys are responsive and easy to use, whether for typing up documents or engaging in fast-paced gaming sessions. In conclusion, both the Ice King Linear and Miaowu linear switches offer the same travel distance, providing comparable results in terms of keypress feel and performance.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle and muffled sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy noise with a crisp and bright tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience. This means users can expect an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, with a creamy and polished sensation, typing on these switches can feel like effortlessly gliding across the keys. In contrast, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively and rebounding feel. It's important to note that the typing feel of both switches will be dependent on personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Miaowu linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Linear switch provides a subdued sound and a silky, frictionless typing experience, while the Miaowu switch offers a clacky sound and a bouncy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a muted sound and a smooth feel, the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a sharp sound and a bouncy key action, the Miaowu switch could be more suited to your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy 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 and a more tactile, clacky sound with a bouncy feel, the KTT Miaowu linear switch may be the better option. Consider your preference for typing feel and sound as you make your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual preferences and typing style.
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