Durock Ice King Tactile vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds seamlessly. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its distinctive clacky sound signature and remarkably light actuation, offering swift and fatigue-free typing sessions with buttery smooth travel. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a tactile typing experience, the TTC Iron emphasizes precision and pleasure in every keystroke with its unique sound and light actuation. 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
58g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and TTC Iron both feature unique housing materials in their switches. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Iron switches incorporate POM top and bottom housings, which produce a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. While both switch housings aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound properties, the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing may offer a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Iron's POM housing.
In terms of sound production, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile and POM top housing of the TTC Iron offer different characteristics. The nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM housing of the Iron provides a more unique and muted sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches feature nylon housings for the Ice King Tactile and POM housings for the TTC Iron. This split in material choice between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance in sound production when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Ice King Tactile and TTC Iron differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to deliver an enhanced typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile may offer a slightly different sound experience compared to the POM housing of the TTC Iron, but both materials play a crucial role in creating the overall typing sensation. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile or a more muted and unique sound, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is heavier than the Iron switch. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Iron switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The difference in weight between the two switches can cater to different preferences; those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Iron switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier push feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Iron switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile for $4.20.
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Tactile switch is known for its subdued and dampened sound, providing a more subtle and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a clacky and sharp sound with each key press, delivering a crisp and percussive noise that enhances the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Ice King Tactile will provide a quieter and more subdued typing experience, while the TTC Iron will deliver a louder and more pronounced sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished typing experience, providing smoothness, reduced resistance, distinct stages in the keystroke, and a refined finish for an overall pleasurable feel. In contrast, the TTC Iron switch is easy-to-press and mild, offering gentle resistance, light actuation force, and a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Each switch provides a unique tactile feel that caters to different preferences, with the Ice King Tactile emphasizing smoothness and refinement, and the TTC Iron focusing on ease of use and comfort during typing sessions.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile and TTC Iron switches offer distinct experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. If you prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a louder and more clacky sound with easy-to-press keys and a gentle typing experience, the TTC Iron switch could be the ideal option for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the TTC Iron switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless feel, then the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced clacky sound signature, a light bottom out force, and an easy-to-press typing experience, then the TTC Iron linear switch could be more aligned with your preferences. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's essential to consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Iron switch will depend on what kind of typing experience you are seeking.
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