Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing typists with a satisfying tactile experience that is hard to resist. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Each switch has its own set of qualities that make it stand out among the competition. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both feature unique top housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile uses nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing that delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile focuses on creating a rounder sound, while the KTT blend of the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes a sharper and more distinctive sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ice King Tactile and Vanilla Ice Cream differ significantly. The Durock Ice King Tactile features nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material enhances the clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches while providing exceptional durability and wear resistance. Overall, the bottom housing materials of the two switches play a crucial role in determining their sound profiles and durability.
While the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are different, they both prioritize creating a unique sound experience for users. The use of nylon in the Ice King Tactile results in a deeper, fuller sound profile with a rounder tone, while the proprietary KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the switches also contribute to their overall sound profiles and feel when typing. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a sharper, clackier tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Tactile and Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on the sound profile and typing experience you prefer.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile has a heavier feel compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. The Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their strengths, with the Ice King Tactile catering to users who prefer a heavier feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream appeals to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of travel on both switches. Both switches provide a consistent tactile or linear experience, respectively, throughout their travel distance. Overall, the travel distance on both switches is equal, allowing users to achieve similar results in their typing experience.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that is sharp and crisp, creating a memorable typing environment. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be more suitable for you, whereas if you prefer a more distinct and audible sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a smooth keystroke. This switch provides a unique tactile sensation with two stages of feedback, creating a more nuanced typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Both switches offer a luxurious typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile focusing on a nuanced tactile response and the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizing smoothness and fluidity.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches each offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a nuanced tactile experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy typing feel accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound. Depending on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your typing style, you can expect to achieve satisfying results with either switch. Ultimately, both switches offer premium quality and a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a blend of smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile is a great choice for a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its ingenious use of material and immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
