Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Rose mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, providing a 'silky' and 'frictionless' feel. On the other hand, the KTT Rose stands out for its use of progressive springs, offering a substantial yet not heavy typing experience that some describe as akin to hearing bassy raindrops. While the Ice King Linear is praised for its 'subdued' and 'creamy' feel, the Rose is noted for being 'low-pitched' and 'neutral'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Rose, one can see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Ice King Linear uses nylon while the Rose uses polycarbonate. This results in a different sound profile for each switch, with the Ice King Linear offering a duller and rounder sound due to the absorbing nature of nylon, while the Rose provides a sharper and crisper sound profile because of the stiffer polycarbonate material.
Aesthetically speaking, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the KTT Rose allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a more visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard's appearance. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency for RGB lighting. However, both switches still provide a satisfying typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing ensuring a deep and full sound profile that is consistent across both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can have a significant impact on the typing experience. With the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Rose, the differences in top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles when typing on each switch. While both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the unique qualities of polycarbonate in the Rose's top housing offer a sharper and crisper sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, we can see that the Ice King Linear has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Rose, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Rose is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required for actuation and bottom out. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force needed for the two switches, as they are both in the same weight class. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force 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 than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Rose linear switch. This means that the Ice King Linear switch will provide a slightly quicker key press response compared to the Rose linear switch. For gamers looking for faster response times, the Ice King Linear may be the better option. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press feel may lean towards the KTT Rose switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel and response, so it comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and dampened typing experience, providing a more subtle sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch produces a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone, creating a mellow and soothing sound when typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Ice King being more subdued and the Rose being more bassy and low-pitched.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is highlighted by its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, presenting a gentle and approachable feel suitable for various users. Both switches emphasize smoothness and refined finishes, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Considering the available information, it is evident that both the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Rose linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King switch provides a more subdued sound and silky feel, the Rose switch delivers a low-pitched sound and mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both options offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Rose linear switches, consider the level of bottom out force you prefer - with the Ice King being medium at 62 grams and the Rose being medium-heavy at 63.5 grams. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with generous factory lube, opt for the Ice King Linear. On the other hand, if you are looking for a uniquely substantial yet not heavy typing experience with progressive springs and a beautiful design, the Rose linear switch would be the better choice. Additionally, take into account the sound profiles - with the Ice King offering a subdued sound and the Rose giving a low-pitched and neutral sound. Finally, consider the feel of the switches - where the Ice King provides a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, while the Rose offers a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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