Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Lightning are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique advantages for different types of users. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that merges smoothness and tactility seamlessly. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is known for its speed and precision, making it ideal for competitive gaming where milliseconds can make all the difference. While the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued and stepped feel, the Lightning provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Lightning is the type of plastic used. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This distinction in housing materials creates a noticeable variation in the sound produced by each switch when typing.
On the other hand, both the Ice King Tactile and the Lightning switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will produce a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to the acoustic properties of nylon. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to creating a duller and rounder sound as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, despite the difference in top housing materials, the shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Lightning switches differ in terms of their impact on sound profile, the shared nylon bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The Nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the unique characteristics of the top housing material of each switch add distinct qualities to the sound produced. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Tactile with a nylon top housing and the Lightning with a polycarbonate top housing will depend on the specific sound profile and typing experience preferred by the user.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the KTT Lightning linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch will require more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile switch also has a higher force of 68 grams compared to the Lightning switch, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Ice King Tactile switch will feel more substantial when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, the Lightning switch is lighter overall, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch is heavier, providing a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the 3 mm travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Lightning, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 and refined sound experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with sharp and crisp acoustics. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Ice King Tactile offering a quieter and more elegant sound, while the Lightning switch provides a more vibrant and percussive sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switch is described as having a subtle and polished feel, providing a gentle resistance and smooth key travel for a comfortable typing experience. Both switches aim to enhance typing efficiency and comfort, with the Ice King Tactile focusing on a luxurious and smooth typing feel, while the Lightning switch aims for a lighter and polished key press.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile provides a refined and creamy tactile experience with a subdued sound profile, perfect for those looking for a more elegant typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a subtle and polished feel, catering to those seeking a more dynamic and responsive typing sensation. Whether you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience or a more vibrant and brisk key press, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump, then the Durock Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are seeking a linear switch that provides a smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the KTT Lightning switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between the two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Ice King Tactile and Lightning switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios.
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