Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices their distinct characteristics. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience that combines the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is praised for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Miaowu is described as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
2.00 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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Miaowu, we see a clear distinction in the materials used. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Miaowu employs polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This contrast in material selection translates to a difference in sound experience for users, with the Ice King Tactile offering a more rounded sound while the Miaowu provides a clearer and more resonant sound.
Despite the difference in housing materials between the Ice King Tactile and the Miaowu, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This consistency in the bottom housing material means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile from both switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition helps to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. While the top housing material may differ between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Ice King Tactile and the Miaowu plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience for users. The softer nature of nylon in the Ice King Tactile results in a deeper sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Miaowu produces a sharper sound. By having a consistent nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience across both switches in terms of sound, with the top housing material providing a distinct sonic characteristic unique to each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Tactile and the Miaowu may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Miaowu's 43 grams, making it the heavier of the two. Similarly, the Ice King Tactile also has a higher bottom out force of 68 grams compared to the Miaowu's 50 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Miaowu offers a lighter typing experience, more suitable for longer typing sessions. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Miaowu linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both of these switches will provide a similar typing experience. Neither switch is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance, making them equally matched in this aspect.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 and dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle and smooth auditory experience compared to most switches. In contrast, the Miaowu switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound profile, delivering a crisp and percussive noise with each key press. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer either the quiet elegance of the Ice King Tactile or the lively and distinctive sound of the Miaowu.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a silky and frictionless typing experience, with a polished finish that enhances smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the stepped design of the switch offers a more nuanced tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. Users who prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, while those seeking a more dynamic and responsive feel may prefer the Miaowu.
Considering the differences in sound and feel between the Ice King Tactile and Miaowu switches, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world have the opportunity to choose between a sublime tactile experience with a subdued sound profile in the Ice King Tactile, or a lively and clacky typing experience with a bouncy feedback in the Miaowu. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the ideal choice for each individual, but both options promise a high-quality typing experience with their unique characteristics. Whether opting for the creamy smoothness of the Ice King Tactile or the enhanced stem stability and smooth action of the Miaowu, users can expect an exceptional typing experience that meets their specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Miaowu switches, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a unique tactile feel and a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a more stable stem and a clacky sound profile, the Miaowu switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
