Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile offers a harmonious blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that is both silky and polished. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, thanks to its unique design features like a long spring and precise factory-lubing. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Orange switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Orange switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both materials offer their own benefits in terms of sound performance, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, the Ice King Tactile employs a nylon material that also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing counterpart. Conversely, the KTT Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced. While both bottom housings aim to provide optimal sound performance, they do so through different characteristics of their respective materials, offering users a choice in the type of sound profile they prefer when typing on their keyboards.
In instances where the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound produced when pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Both the Ice King Tactile and the KTT Orange switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience, catering to a diverse range of preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile requires a heavier touch for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the KTT Orange. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the KTT Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the Ice King Tactile offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the KTT Orange provides a lighter touch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Orange linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, providing users with a familiar feel and responsiveness when typing.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle noise when pressed, creating a more refined auditory experience compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, delivering a deeper and more mellow sound that resonates with a bass-heavy quality. Depending on personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard and keycaps, either switch can provide a pleasing auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch is lauded for its silky smoothness and frictionless typing experience. With a stepped actuation that provides a nuanced tactile feedback, this switch is designed to offer a premium and refined typing feel. Additionally, the polished finish and factory-lubing contribute to a sleek and effortless key travel that minimizes resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a bouncy and lively feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation with each keystroke. Combined with its frictionless design, this switch promotes an effortless and fluid typing experience that enhances typing efficiency and comfort.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the KTT Orange switch, it is evident that both options offer unique benefits to users. The Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a sophisticated tactile typing experience with smoothness and finesse, while the KTT Orange switch stands out with its bouncy and frictionless nature that enhances typing efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Nevertheless, both switches promise a high-quality performance that can elevate your typing experience to new heights.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Orange switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and a smooth, symphonic typing experience, the Ice King Tactile might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy, frictionless typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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