Durock Ice King Linear vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', this switch is perfect for those who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal configuration, providing a seamless glide and a distinctive "Q-texture" feel with a light actuation for rapid typing. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky', the Venus switch is ideal for those who enjoy a unique tactile sensation and a muted sound signature. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound while typing. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing produces a more muted and deeper sound profile. Both switches provide a distinct sound experience due to their top housing materials, with the Ice King Linear offering a rounder sound compared to the Venus's relatively more muted sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, leading to a more clear and resonant sound when using the switches. The choice of bottom housing material greatly impacts the overall sound experience of the switches, with the Ice King Linear offering a softer sound compared to the Venus's sharper and more resonant sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Venus differ in material, they each play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a unique sound experience based on the qualities of their respective top and bottom housings. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the Ice King Linear's nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Venus's polycarbonate housing, users can expect a distinctive typing experience with either switch.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Venus linear switch. The Ice King requires 52 grams of force to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out, which falls in the medium range. In contrast, the Venus switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Ice King may be the preferred choice due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Venus switch would be ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Venus switch travels a bit further from top to bottom compared to the Ice King switch. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience for users. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Ice King switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Venus switch. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus 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 Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as having a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched, muted sound that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. The Venus switch also features a unique "thocky" sound profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying noise when pressed. Both switches excel in providing users with a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for various environments where noise may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky and frictionless typing experience, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is described as offering a creamy and polished feel due to the smooth finish and lubrication, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and gummy typing sensation, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The Venus switch also features a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Overall, both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, catering to those who prioritize comfort and seamless keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and TTC Venus linear switches excel in providing users with a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Ice King Linear switch is known for its subdued sound and silky feel, while the Venus switch offers a unique low-pitched sound and buttery feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness, minimizing resistance and friction when typing. Whether you choose the Ice King Linear or Venus switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that prioritizes comfort and ease of use.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Durock Ice King Linear and the TTC Venus linear switches, you should prioritize the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing feel with a slightly higher bottom out force, then the Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a unique "matte" sensation with a more muted and low-pitched sound signature, then the TTC Venus linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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