Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Purple Click mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that they both offer unique characteristics that cater to 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 subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a high-pitched and satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a crunchy and invigorating typing sensation. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Purple Click, one can see a stark difference in the sound profiles they offer. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear is better suited for those who prefer a rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click is ideal for those who prefer a clearer and resonant sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches use nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic. This similarity in bottom housing material means that regardless of whether you choose the Ice King Linear or the Purple Click, you can expect a similar sound profile when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This consistency in housing material may appeal to those who prioritize a specific sound profile and prefer not to have variations in sound between the top and bottom of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Ice King Linear and the Purple Click ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. If you prefer a rounder and fuller sound, the Ice King Linear with its nylon top housing is the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Purple Click with its polycarbonate top housing would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their sound preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. The Ice King requires 52 grams of force to actuate a key, while the Purple Click only needs 40 grams. When bottoming out, the Ice King needs 62 grams of force, whereas the Purple Click only requires 55 grams. This makes the Purple Click the lighter option of the two switches, which can be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ice King provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force requirements. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the Ice King is on the heavier side compared to the medium-light force of the Purple Click. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience with these switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Purple Click switches, it is clear that the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Purple Click's 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Ice King Linear with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Purple Click. Both switches offer a unique feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance. It is important to consider how each switch will contribute to the overall typing or gaming experience before making a decision.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant, delivering a high-pitched and clean sound profile with a satisfying click. When it comes to sound, users can expect a quieter and more understated experience with the Ice King Linear, while the Purple Click offers a more pronounced and immersive auditory sensation.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished attributes, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation that creates an immersive typing experience. Users can expect a buttery smooth feel with the Ice King Linear, while the Purple Click delivers a more tactile and responsive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the KTT Purple Click switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear provides a subdued sound and a smooth typing experience, the Purple Click offers a crunchy click and a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound levels and typing feedback. If a user prefers a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Ice King Linear would be the ideal choice, while those looking for a more tactile and immersive typing sensation may lean towards the Purple Click. Overall, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking different experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and creamy typing feel with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and invigorating typing experience with a crunchy and resonant sound profile, the Purple Click switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the tactile and auditory preferences that best suit your typing style and preference.
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