Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come to mind are the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Semi Mute switches. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it feel frictionless and polished. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch, despite its name, offers a completely silent operation ideal for noise-free environments and undisturbed typing sessions, especially during late nights. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, with the Ice King Linear offering a creamy and subdued feel, while the Semi Mute provides a muted and neutral typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Semi Mute both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Semi Mute uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, providing a more clear and resonant sound. The choice of housing material in these switches significantly impacts the sound experience for the user.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Ice King Linear and the Semi Mute, their similarities lie in the fact that both switches feature consistent materials for their top and bottom housings. This ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout the typing experience. The use of nylon in the Ice King Linear results in a consistent deep and full sound, while the polycarbonate in the Semi Mute maintains a sharp and crisp sound quality. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can influence the overall sound output and typing feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom housings of a switch can have a noticeable impact on typing dynamics. In switches like the Ice King Linear and the Semi Mute, the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The softer nylon housing in the Ice King Linear creates a more cushioned typing experience, while the stiffer polycarbonate housing in the Semi Mute offers a more pronounced and tactile typing feel. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with nylon producing a duller sound in the Ice King Linear and polycarbonate offering a sharper sound in the Semi Mute. Understanding the role of housing materials in switches can help users customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear also has a higher force of 62 grams, while the Semi Mute has a slightly lower force of 58 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Semi Mute due to its lighter actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Linear switch provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster reactions. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches provide unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Ice King being the shorter option and the Semi Mute being the longer option.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound to minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Semi Mute would be the better choice.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering smoothness, reduced resistance, and a sleek finish. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing sensation without pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing feel, but the Ice King Linear may excel in offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless experience.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and a softer keystroke sound, the KTT Semi Mute switch would be more suitable for you. However, if you value a silky smooth typing experience with reduced resistance and a refined finish, the Durock Ice King Linear switch may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities for an enhanced typing experience, and depending on your preferences, either choice would provide gratifying results.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Semi Mute linear switches, consider your typing environment and personal preference. If you value a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a slightly subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment with a medium bottom out force and a softer, quieter sound profile, the KTT Semi Mute switches would be an excellent option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to assess what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making a decision.
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