Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Mallo switches are known for their subtle tactility and balanced typing feel, offering a versatile option with a neutral sound signature. While both switches excel in their own right, offering qualities such as polished smoothness and gentle feedback, they cater to different typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the KTT Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile offers a more mellow typing experience with its nylon top housing, the Mallo provides a more clear and resonant sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. The aesthetic appeal also differs, as the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Both the Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mallo feature a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of the material's softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches creates a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite having different top housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience between the Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mallo.
When the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when keys are released. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the typing experience when keys are pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when keys are let go. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material in both the top and bottom parts of a switch can influence the overall sound profile and typing feel, as seen in the differences between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mallo.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Mallo tactile switches, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Mallo, which does not specify its actuation force. On the other hand, the Mallo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Ice King Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 68 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Mallo offers a lighter typing experience with a lower bottom out force. Both switches have their merits, with the Ice King Tactile being ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Mallo is suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Mallo tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile switch offers a slightly shorter distance for those seeking quicker response times, which may be preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Mallo switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 switch offers a subdued experience with a dampened sound, creating a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Mallo switch also provides a subdued sound, ensuring it doesn't dominate the typing environment. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with minimal auditory disturbance, making them suitable for various settings.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. It also features a frictionless and polished feel, enhancing the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is described as feathery and mild, providing a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing feel, catering to different preferences while ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch and the Mallo switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a smooth and polished typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Mallo offers a gentle tactility with a neutral sound signature. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a subtle typing experience, both switches deliver satisfying results that are sure to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a creamy smooth typing experience and a pronounced tactile bump, the Durock Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a subtle tactile feedback and a neutral sound profile that is versatile for various typing environments, then the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound, and typing feel when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both the Ice King Tactile and the Mallo offer unique typing experiences with their own distinct characteristics, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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