Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Peach mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note the key characteristics of each switch. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, offering a frictionless and creamy feel. In contrast, the Peach switch is praised for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile, providing a low-pitched and neutral feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Ice King Linear being described as subdued and polished, while the Peach switch is characterized as mild. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Peach both feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the Ice King Linear differs in its top housing material, which is nylon, whereas the Peach boasts a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. This contrast in top housing materials leads to a difference in sound characteristics between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Peach may have an advantage over the Ice King Linear due to its polycarbonate top housing, which allows for a clear housing that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal as the clear polycarbonate. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile when typing. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Ice King Linear and KTT Peach offer a typing experience with a deep and full sound thanks to their shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Peach will come down to personal preference in terms of sound characteristics and aesthetics. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Peach with its polycarbonate top housing may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their shared nylon bottom housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics when pressing down on the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Peach's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King Linear at 62 grams and the Peach at 53 grams. This means that while the Ice King Linear may require a bit more force to initiate a keystroke, both switches offer a comparable typing experience when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, the Peach switch is lighter overall, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the KTT Peach linear 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 preferred choice for gamers looking for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Peach switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, offering a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
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 Peach comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone perfect for a variety of uses. While the Ice King Linear switch may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience, the Peach switch caters to a wider range of users with its versatile sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance. Meanwhile, the KTT Peach switch is described as mild, providing a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone for most users. Both switches offer an effortless and smooth typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue.
Overall, both the Ice King Linear and KTT Peach switches provide a smooth typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a more subdued sound and a luxurious typing feel, the Ice King Linear switch is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a lower-pitched sound profile and a mild, approachable typing experience, the KTT Peach switch is a solid choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Peach linear switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smoother typing experience with subtle sound and minimal resistance, the Ice King Linear may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a gentle typing experience with a low-pitched, neutral sound and a mild feel, the KTT Peach switch might be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing dynamics and the overall feel of the switch.
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