Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Purple Click offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smooth and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that blends smoothness with tactility seamlessly. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch stands out for its high-pitched and satisfying click, offering a light keystroke with just the right amount of tactile feedback. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, appealing 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
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Purple Click, it is clear that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic absorbing more sound. However, the Ice King Tactile uses nylon for its top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Purple Click utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect that nylon does not offer.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials significantly impact the overall sound profile and feel of typing on these switches. The Ice King Tactile's use of nylon for both top and bottom housings creates a consistent deep and full sound profile, with a duller and rounder tone overall. In contrast, the Purple Click's combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing results in a split in sound qualities, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the nylon and the release sound impacted by the polycarbonate's sharper and crisper characteristics.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Ice King Tactile and KTT Purple Click switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Purple Click's top housing creates a sound profile that is sharper and higher-pitched compared to the Ice King Tactile's rounder and duller sound. Additionally, the aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate's translucency for RGB lighting sets the Purple Click apart visually. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly affect the tactile and auditory feedback experienced by the user.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Purple Click switches, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more effortless typing experience that can be beneficial for long typing sessions. Therefore, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the KTT Purple Click, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Durock Ice King Tactile. Despite their differences in force requirements, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with varying levels of pressure needed to activate the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Purple Click switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance between these two switches may not be significant to some users, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. The Ice King Tactile will provide a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who want a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 is known for providing a subdued typing experience, offering a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle and refined sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch produces a crunchy and resonant sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves and offering a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound profile. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard and keycaps, you can choose between the subdued elegance of the Ice King Tactile or the vibrant and resonant sound of the Purple Click.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The switch offers a fluid travel with a mild tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a smooth and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for its invigorating and stepped feel, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation. This switch provides a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing experience with a balance of tactile feel and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch delivers a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a subdued sound and a silky feel. Meanwhile, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a high-pitched click sound and an invigorating tactile feel with moderate actuation force. Both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Ice King Tactile and the Purple Click will depend on whether you prefer a more refined and smooth typing experience or a vibrant and snappy tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Purple Click switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile experience that blends smoothness with a pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a high-pitched satisfying click, and a light yet pronounced tactile feel, the Purple Click switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help guide your decision. Happy typing!
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