Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. On one hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a tactile feedback while typing and prefer a smooth feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel presents a different experience with its medium-light linear design that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a short travel distance and a low-pitched sound profile while typing. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Laurel utilize unique housing materials for their switches, with the Ice King Tactile featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Laurel uses POM for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings create a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials provide different sound profiles, they both offer a softer feel compared to harder plastics.
The differences in housing materials between the Ice King Tactile and the KTT Laurel extend to their top and bottom housings. The unique qualities of nylon in the Ice King Tactile split between the top and bottom housing, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the POM housings in the Laurel contribute to a consistent sound profile across the switch, creating a deeper and more muted sound overall. Despite these differences, both switches offer a softer typing experience that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more pleasant and quieter typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Laurel differ, they both aim to provide a unique sound profile and typing experience for users. The use of nylon in the Ice King Tactile and POM in the Laurel offers distinct characteristics that influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the more muted and pleasing sound of POM, both switches deliver a softer typing experience that is sure to enhance your typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two housing materials will depend on personal preference and the specific sound profile you are looking for in a keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch differ significantly. The Ice King Tactile has a medium-heavy actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, while the Laurel has a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile requires more force to register a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Laurel switch. Therefore, the Ice King Tactile would be considered a heavier switch, which might be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is desired. In both cases, choosing the switch with the appropriate actuation and bottom out force is crucial to ensure a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Ice King Tactile or the Laurel switch, you can expect a similar tactile feel and typing experience in terms of travel distance. With both switches offering a travel distance of 3.5 mm, users can enjoy a consistent typing experience without having to worry about significant differences in keypress depth between the two options. It's great to know that both switches will provide a similar travel distance, allowing users to focus more on their typing experience rather than having to adjust to varying keypress depths.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Ice King Tactile provides a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Laurel features a low-pitched sound profile, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches can vary.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, where minimal resistance is felt when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the stepped design of the switch provides a more mild tactile bump with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. The polished finish of the Ice King Tactile contributes to a sleek and refined typing feel. In contrast, the Laurel is known for its snappy and super responsive nature, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs enhancing the typing experience with a heightened sense of liveliness.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile offers a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smoothness, while the Laurel presents a responsive linear switch with a balance of responsiveness and comfort. Whether you choose the Ice King Tactile for its smoothness and finesse or the Laurel for its snappy responsiveness, both switches provide quality options for different preferences in the mechanical keyboard world. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal typing style and what qualities you prioritize in a switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Laurel switches, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique tactile experience that blends smoothness with a satisfying bump, creating a symphony of touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and snappy responsiveness, the KTT Laurel could be more suited to your liking. The Laurel strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a smooth typing experience with a subtly low-pitched sound. Consider your typing needs and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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