Durock Ice King Tactile vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Wine Red. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying typing experience with qualities such as being silky, frictionless, and polished. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is known for its pillowy light type feel and deep, rich sound profile, categorized as bassy and low-pitched. While the Ice King Tactile offers a symphony of touch with its tactile experience, the Wine Red provides a satisfyingly deep sound profile. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Wine Red switches feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Ice King Tactile leans towards a duller and rounder sound, the Wine Red offers a more clear and resonant auditory experience.
On the bottom housing side, the Ice King Tactile also employs nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing counterpart. Meanwhile, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile, much like its top housing characteristics. The choice of housing material for the bottom component of these switches plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, showcasing the impact that different plastics can have on the overall user experience.
Overall, while the Ice King Tactile and KTT Wine Red switches each feature distinct housing materials for their top and bottom components, the differences between the nylon and polycarbonate plastics result in unique sound profiles for each switch. The absorbent nature of nylon in the Ice King Tactile creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharp and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate used in the Wine Red. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help users choose the switch that best aligns with their preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile is heavier while the Wine Red is lighter. 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. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Ice King Tactile will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Wine Red will be lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Wine Red switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch provides a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences, so it's important to test them out to see which one suits your typing style best.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened yet still audible key press experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving off a deep and rich tone during typing. While the Ice King Tactile switch focuses on a more subtle sound signature, the Wine Red switch emphasizes a noticeable bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycap setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch boasts a silky and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. Additionally, the stepped design of the switch provides a two-stage tactile feel, giving users a more controlled keystroke experience. In comparison, information on the tactile feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is currently unknown. However, based on the provided details highlighting the light type feel and deep sound profile, users can expect a possibly smoother typing experience akin to the Ice King Tactile, with an emphasis on the satisfying feel of each key press.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a symphony of touch through its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump. The KTT Wine Red switch, on the other hand, captivates users with its intoxicating feel and rich sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile switch focuses on a subdued sound and silky smooth feel, the Wine Red switch emphasizes a bassy sound profile without information on its tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the KTT Wine Red switches, consider the level of typing force you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red could be the perfect match for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, ensuring that you select the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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