Durock Ice King Tactile vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Red offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a tactile typing experience that is both satisfying and refined. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is known for its smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the TTC Silent Red is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Durock Ice King Tactile and TTC Silent Red switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile has a nylon top housing, while the Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the softer nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile. This difference in top housing material significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Silent Red allows for a clear housing, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. The translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switch, especially when paired with customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile may not offer the same level of visual appeal when it comes to RGB lighting. However, both switches still provide a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, the key differences lie in their top housing materials. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction showcases how the housing materials of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, from the sound profile to the aesthetic appeal. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Red switches provide different typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Red switch, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a stronger and more substantial push feel when typing may prefer the Ice King Tactile switch due to its higher actuation force. Both switches offer a similar overall weight, making them suitable for those who prefer a medium-heavy keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, which is shorter than the TTC Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Silent Red, making it a popular choice among gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile to be too abrupt, preferring the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Red for a more hearty typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound that is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for quiet environments like an office or shared living space. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Ice King Tactile may have a slightly more distinct sound due to its tactile nature. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation without the tactile bump. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile offering a more pronounced tactile feedback while the Silent Red provides a consistent feel from top to bottom.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a unique tactile bump and a subdued sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is perfect for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience without the tactile bump. Depending on your preference for tactility and noise level, both switches offer exceptional quality and can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Silent Red switches, you should consider your personal preferences and needs. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and a silky, frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect fit for you. The Ice King Tactiles offer a unique and satisfying tactile feel that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience, especially in a shared environment, the TTC Silent Red switches with their muted sound profile and buttery, polished feel may be more suitable for your needs. Whether you choose the tactile artistry of the Ice King Tactile or the silent efficiency of the TTC Silent Red, both switches offer high-quality performance and comfort for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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