Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they offer very different typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience with finesse. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Stepped' and 'Subdued', the Strawberry is labeled as 'Buttery' and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its unique qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their 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
43g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Strawberry lies in the type of plastic used. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately depends on the desired sound and feel of the switch.
However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a given switch, as in the case of the Ice King Tactile and the Strawberry, the overall sound profile will be a combination of the qualities each housing material brings. This means that the Ice King Tactile, with its nylon bottom and top housing, will have a mix of the deeper sound profile from the bottom housing and the softer, duller sound from the top housing. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry, with polycarbonate bottom and top housing, will produce a blend of the sharper, higher-pitched sound from the bottom housing and the clearer, resonant sound from the top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can also come down to preferences in appearance. While nylon is a classic switch housing material, polycarbonate is often used for clear housings, which are ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Therefore, if the visual aspect of the switch is important, the decision between the Ice King Tactile and the KTT Strawberry may also be influenced by whether or not RGB lighting is a factor in the selection process. Ultimately, both housing materials offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics, allowing for a customized typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch provide two distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 68 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Strawberry switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a similar bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium typing experience. The Ice King Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a tactile response. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch's lighter actuation force may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience, suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile being on the shorter end and the Strawberry on the longer end. Gamers may prefer the Ice King Tactile for its shorter travel distance, resulting in faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the KTT Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 offers a more subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry produces a low-pitched tone with a bass-heavy and mellow quality. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Ice King Tactile leaning towards a quieter profile while the Strawberry offers a deeper and more resonant sound.
Moving on to feel, both switches offer a smooth and frictionless typing experience. The Ice King Tactile is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing users with exceptionally smooth key presses, minimal resistance, and a refined feel. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry is described as offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, ensuring effortless and uniform keystrokes with reduced friction. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them suitable options for users seeking a refined tactile or linear typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and KTT Strawberry switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Tactile provides a more subdued sound and a pronounced tactile bump for a satisfying tactile experience, the KTT Strawberry boasts a low-pitched sound and smooth actuation for a comfortable linear typing feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them excellent choices for those looking for a premium typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Ice King Tactile and Strawberry switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Strawberry switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a unique tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value smooth actuation with a comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a subdued sound and smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Tactile would be the way to go. However, if you lean towards a low-pitched sound and appreciate a buttery, polished feel, then the KTT Strawberry linear switch might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your preference for typing experience and sound will guide your decision between these two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches.
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