Durock Ice King Linear vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Neptune both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. In contrast, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, providing a balanced blend of smoothness and springy resistance akin to chewy delights like mochi. While the Ice King Linear is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Neptune is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Each switch offers a different typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Neptune both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ice King Linear uses a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Neptune utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the nylon housing of the Ice King Linear may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the deeper and more muted sound of the POM housing in the Neptune.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Ice King Linear features a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deep and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Neptune utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material in the Neptune's bottom housing leads to a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon material in the Ice King Linear may result in a duller and rounder sound. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on them.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Neptune play a crucial role in determining their sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the use of nylon and POM in the Ice King Linear and polycarbonate in the Neptune contribute to distinct sound qualities. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a slightly duller tone or a sharper and crisper sound with more resonance, the choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Neptune's lighter 41 grams. Similarly, the Ice King Linear also requires a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Neptune is lighter at 50 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Neptune switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Ice King has a shorter travel distance compared to the Neptune. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices among gamers for their faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may favor the Neptune with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 provides a subdued experience, offering a dampened sound that is not entirely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Neptune switch is described as having a low-pitched, muted sound signature that keeps the auditory ambiance refined and unobtrusive. The Neptune also offers a unique "muted" quality that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant typing sound that may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering effortless key presses. It is also described as creamy and polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing feel. Conversely, the Neptune switch offers a buttery and gummy typing sensation, with a frictionless and mild feel that appeals to a wide range of users. Both switches prioritize a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance, making them suitable for those who prefer a comfortable and tactile feel while typing.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the TTC Neptune switch offer unique and desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Ice King Linear excels in providing a subdued sound and a silky, polished feel, while the Neptune stands out with its low-pitched, muted sound and buttery, gummy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can expect to enjoy a similarly smooth and satisfying typing experience with either switch choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Neptune linear switches, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing feel with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique "matte" feel with a low-pitched, muted, and neutral sound profile, then the TTC Neptune might be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in your typing experience.
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