Durock Ice King Tactile vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that blends smoothness and tactility seamlessly. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches from TTC boast a comfortable typing experience with a lighter resistance level and a rounded tactile bump, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While both switches are polished and offer a tactile typing experience, they differ in terms of smoothness, sound profile, and tactile feedback. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing material of the Durock Ice King Tactile is made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the housing material of the TTC Silent Brown is made of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile offers a duller and rounder sound, the Silent Brown delivers a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both housings provide unique sound characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience.
Despite the variation in top housing materials between the Ice King Tactile and the Silent Brown, both switches share a nylon bottom housing. This results in a similar sound profile that is deeper and fuller due to nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on these switches. This shared housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, greatly influences the sound and feel of typing on the switch. While the Ice King Tactile and the Silent Brown offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different top housing materials, they both provide a pleasant typing experience thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users choose the right switch for their preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we see a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 45 grams, making it feel slightly heavier when initiating a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 63.5 grams, again indicating a heavier feel when fully pressing down. Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Silent Brown switch, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. For those who enjoy a lighter touch, the Silent Brown switch may be the preferred choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing experience and desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches both offer a smooth and responsive keystroke experience with slight tactile feedback. However, the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Ice King Tactile may be preferred by those who prioritize speed and quick response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Brown may be more appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to 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 Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 provides a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a muted and quieter sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches aim to provide a more discreet typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly more subdued in its sound profile while the TTC Silent Brown focuses on a muted sound output. Depending on personal preference, either switch can cater to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its silky, frictionless, and stepped qualities, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. The switch feels polished, providing a sleek and refined typing sensation with minimized resistance and enhanced smoothness. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a comfortable level of resistance. Both switches offer a refined typing experience with different emphasis on smoothness and tactile feedback, catering to individuals with varying preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown switch both offer unique qualities that make them stand out in the realm of tactile mechanical keyboard switches. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a pronounced tactile bump with a smoother overall feel, while the TTC Silent Brown focuses on delivering a comfortable typing experience with a quieter sound profile. Depending on whether one prefers a more pronounced tactile feel or a quieter typing environment, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown will come down to individual preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable typing experience with a lighter touch and a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switches are the better choice for you. Consider your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality typing experiences, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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