Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis are both exceptional tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis stands out for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Phalaenopsis is described as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky'. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so it 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
37g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis, it's evident that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. 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 that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis opts for a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. While both materials have unique characteristics that impact sound quality, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, the Ice King Tactile and the Phalaenopsis continue to diverge in their material choices. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. The differences in sound profiles created by the bottom housings of these switches highlight the impact that housing materials can have on overall typing experiences.
While the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles, both switches showcase the importance of choosing the right materials for optimal performance. Whether it's the softer, sound-absorbing nylon of the Ice King Tactile or the stiffer, resonant polycarbonate of the Phalaenopsis, each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. Ultimately, selecting the ideal housing material depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, as these materials play a critical role in determining the overall performance and user experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is clear that the Phalaenopsis is the lighter of the two. 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. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is significantly lighter. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Phalaenopsis make it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience, while the heavier forces of the Ice King Tactile may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Phalaenopsis switch the longer option compared to the Ice King switch. A 0.5 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can affect the typing experience and feel of the switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ice King switch for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Phalaenopsis switch. In general, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, but ultimately the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, with deeper and richer tones resembling a soft "knock" when pressed and released. Both switches deliver unique sound characteristics, with the Ice King Tactile offering a more subdued experience while the Phalaenopsis provides a deeper and more satisfying sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering exceptionally smooth key presses with minimal resistance. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, providing a refined finish for a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is noted for its stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile experience with some pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Both switches offer unique tactile feels, with the Ice King Tactile focusing on smoothness and effortless typing, while the Phalaenopsis provides a more nuanced tactile feedback with its stepped design.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer distinct tactile experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch offers effortless typing with a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump. While their sound profiles and tactile feels differ, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches, you should consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Ice King Tactile with 68 grams would be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, the Phalaenopsis with 50 grams would be more suitable. Furthermore, if you value a silky, frictionless, and polished typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal option. Conversely, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a stepped feel and a bassy, thocky sound profile, the Phalaenopsis would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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