Durock Ice King Tactile vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it's like pitting smoothness against frictionless glide. The Ice King Tactile boasts a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds. In contrast, the TTC Venus offers a nearly frictionless glide with a unique "Q-texture" that adds a springy resistance to each key press. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', and 'Subdued', the Venus is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', and 'Thocky'. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience with smoothness, the Ice King Tactile might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light actuation with a unique matte sensation, the TTC Venus could be the one to go for. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Venus switches exhibit different characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Venus switch has a POM top housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound with deeper tones. While both materials offer a deeper sound profile, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile may produce a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the POM top housing of the Venus.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Venus switch comes with a polycarbonate bottom housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially suitable for switches with clear housings that allow RGB lighting to shine through. These different bottom housing materials impact the sound and feel of the switches when pressed, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
While the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Venus switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience through their distinct sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile and the POM top housing of the Venus offer a similar deep and satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in sound texture. Additionally, the nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile and the Venus switches respectively provide different levels of sound sharpness and resonance when bottoming out keys. Overall, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Venus switch. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Venus switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. The difference in weight between the two switches can significantly impact the user's typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Venus switch for longer typing sessions, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ice King Tactile switch for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Venus switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile switch. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference with regards to travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle and refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, muted sound signature that gives off a bass-heavy and mellow tone, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Ice King Tactile focusing on a smooth and subdued sound, while the Venus linear switch provides a more bass-heavy and engaging tone.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless sensation when pressing and releasing keys. It provides a polished finish that enhances typing comfort by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch boasts a buttery and frictionless feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is uniform and enjoyable. With a gummy texture when bottoming out, the Venus switch offers a unique typing experience that feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches excel in offering a smooth and refined typing experience, but with unique tactile qualities that set them apart.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and TTC Venus linear switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Ice King Tactile provides a sophisticated and subdued sound with a silky and frictionless feel, the Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound with a buttery and gummy texture for an engaging typing experience. Both switches excel in their own right, providing users with a tactile and linear option that elevates their typing experience to new heights. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer exceptional qualities that are sure to enhance any keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and TTC Venus switches, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced tactile bump and a creamy smooth typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a nearly frictionless glide and a unique matte sensation, the TTC Venus linear switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile may be more appealing, while the Venus offers a low-pitched, muted sound. In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile provides a silky, frictionless typing experience, while the Venus offers a buttery, frictionless feel. Consider these factors to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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