Durock Ice King Tactile vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Neptune are two highly regarded mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth glide with a springy resistance that feels like indulging in chewy delights. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished', the Neptune is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', 'Thocky'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different 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
41g
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
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Neptune both feature top housing materials that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit in slightly different ways. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing is known for creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature and increased sound absorption properties. On the other hand, the Neptune's POM top housing produces a more muted sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Both materials offer a unique typing experience with a focus on sound quality, but the specific tonal differences between the two may appeal to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Neptune opts for polycarbonate. Nylon's softer properties contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. In contrast, polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in the Neptune, affecting the overall resonance and clarity of the switch. The use of different bottom housing materials in each switch highlights how the choice of material can influence the overall typing experience, from the initial key press to the release of the key.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Neptune, both switches deliver a unique and satisfying typing experience thanks to their carefully chosen materials. By combining distinct top and bottom housing materials, each switch offers a balance of sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Ice King Tactile or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Neptune, both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Neptune linear switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Neptune only needs 41 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, classifying it as a lighter switch. The difference in weight between the two switches means that the Ice King Tactile will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Neptune will offer a lighter touch ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance compared to the Neptune. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Neptune may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune switch presents a low-pitched and muted sound profile, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Neptune switch also features a "thocky" sound, producing a deep and rich sound when pressed and released. However, it is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky and frictionless, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also referred to as stepped and polished, providing a refined typing experience with reduced friction. Conversely, the TTC Neptune switch is characterized as buttery and gummy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. Similar to the Ice King Tactile, the Neptune also boasts a frictionless and polished feel, ensuring a sleek and smooth typing experience.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced tactile bump, while the TTC Neptune switch offers an innovative internal structure that blends a smooth glide with a springy resistance for a textured pleasure with every keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile switch leans towards a more subdued sound with a silky and frictionless feel, the Neptune switch presents a low-pitched and muted sound with a buttery and gummy feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to different preferences, ensuring users can achieve satisfying results based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the TTC Neptune switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a creamy smoothness, then the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a smooth, almost frictionless glide and an ultralight feel for effortless typing, then the TTC Neptune switch would be more suitable. Furthermore, if you prefer a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be more to your liking. Conversely, if you prefer a low-pitched, muted sound with a buttery, frictionless feel, the TTC Neptune switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them depends on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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