Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Kang White mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a luxurious tactile typing experience with a smooth feel and pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Kang White stands out for its poppy linear typing sound and unparalleled smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material. While the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky and polished feel, the Kang White is appreciated for its low-pitched sound and neutral characteristics. Both switches have their own strengths that make them appealing options, but diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you determine which switch is the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Kang White switches provide a stark contrast in terms of sound profile. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on the switches, with the Ice King Tactile offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound produced by the Kang White.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material for both switches remains consistent with nylon being used for both the Ice King Tactile and the Kang White. This means that regardless of the top housing material's influence on sound, the bottom housing's softer plastic composition will still contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The similar bottom housing material ensures that typists will experience similar tactile feedback and sound characteristics when bottoming out the keys on either the Ice King Tactile or Kang White switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Kang White switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile provides a more subdued and mellow typing experience with its nylon top housing, the Kang White offers a brighter and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound will determine which switch is more suitable for individual typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches share the commonality of a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent tactile feel and sound signature when bottoming out the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile requires a heavier push compared to the Kang White. 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 Kang White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Kang White more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile for its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Kang White switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Ice King Tactile being on the lower end of the spectrum and the Kang White on the higher end. Gamers may prefer the Ice King Tactile for its quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Kang White with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
In terms of sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Kang White switch features a low-pitched and mellow tone, creating a more bass-heavy and relaxing typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Ice King Tactile providing a quieter typing experience while the Kang White offers a more soothing and neutral sound.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it provides a stepped feel with two distinct stages during keystrokes, creating a more nuanced tactile feedback. The Kang White switch's feel is not specified, but its self-lubricating material suggests a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches focus on delivering a polished and refined typing feel, ensuring a sleek and comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Kang White switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a unique tactile experience with a pronounced bump and smoothness, while the Kang White focuses on delivering a dazzling typing sound and the smoothness provided by its self-lubricating material. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience that can cater to different user needs. Whether choosing the Ice King Tactile for its tactile artistry or the Kang White for its poppy linear feel, users can expect a satisfying and high-quality typing experience from these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Kang White switches, you should choose the Ice King Tactile if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a uniquely satisfying tactile experience that blends smoothness with a pronounced bump. The Ice King Tactile is perfect for those who appreciate a more subdued sound while typing. On the other hand, you should opt for the Kang White if you prefer a medium switch with a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. The Kang White offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences and environments. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feel and smoothness (Ice King Tactile) or sound quality and typing smoothness (KTT Kang White).
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