Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is celebrated for its medium-heavy build, buttery smooth operation, and factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for effortless key travel. Choosing between these 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Pine, one key difference is in the material used for the top housing. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer characteristics. This difference in top housing material results in distinct sound profiles for each switch, catering to different preferences in typing sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ice King Tactile and the KTT Pine employ different materials with similar characteristics. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of the nylon top housing. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, reminiscent of the polycarbonate top housing. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in comparable typing experiences despite the differences in top housing material.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of a switch. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. While the Ice King Tactile and the KTT Pine differ in their choice of housing materials, the combination of these materials contributes to a unique typing experience for each switch, catering to various preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Pine switch's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams while the Pine needs 58 grams. This means that while the Ice King Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with both its actuation and bottom out forces being heavier, the Pine switch provides a lighter touch for those who prefer less resistance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to reduce fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, the Pine switch would be the better option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more robust feel and prefer switches with heavier forces may find the Ice King Tactile more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and intensity.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Pine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and feedback of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Pine linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer unique tactile experiences.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone with a lower frequency range resembling bass tones. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the sound produced by each switch can be influenced further.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. The tactile bump provides a unique feel without sacrificing smoothness, creating a satisfying typing sensation. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation that feels like effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. Both switches offer a different tactile and typing experience, catering to various preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile bump with smoothness, creating a satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and factory-lubed finish, offering an effortless typing experience. Whether you prefer the unique tactile experience of the Ice King Tactile or the smooth linear feel of the Pine, both switches provide high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Pine switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a silky smooth feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile switches are the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and low-pitched typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Pine switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
