Durock Ice King Tactile vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that cater to different preferences are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Yunhai. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its luxurious tactile feel, offering a creamy smoothness alongside a pronounced tactile bump that elevates typing into a delightful experience. This switch is characterized by its silky yet frictionless action, presenting a blend of subdued feedback with a polished finish—ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai excels for users seeking a linear switch experience, featuring a deep, rounded sound profile coupled with a remarkably light actuation force. This makes the Yunhai particularly appealing for typists who favor a gentler touch and seamless keystrokes devoid of tactile interruptions. While both switches provide unique benefits—one focusing on tactile richness and the other on effortless linear movement—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
42g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Yunhai switches share a significant similarity in their housing materials, employing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material is pivotal as nylon is renowned for its acoustic properties that enhance the typing experience. Both switches benefit from the inherent characteristics of nylon, which includes its softer nature allowing for sound absorption. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a duller and rounder auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. Thus, users of either the Ice King or the Yunhai can expect a similar sound experience due to the consistent use of nylon in their construction.
In terms of tactile feedback and overall performance, the similarity in material does suggest that both switches would maintain a comparable response when pressed. The design philosophy behind each switch means that when the bottom housing impacts the desk during bottoming out, users will experience the characteristic sound dampening provided by the nylon material. This results in a muted, yet satisfying auditory feedback that complements the tactile engagement of the switches. In essence, both the Ice King Tactile and the Yunhai distribute the qualities of nylon effectively, ensuring a consistent feel and sound profile across both models.
While the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and TTC Yunhai are identical, the impact this has on the overall typing experience is noteworthy. Each switch may still possess unique internal mechanisms or friction characteristics, but the shared housing material guarantees that the sound and feel during key presses remain fundamentally aligned. Thus, whether typing on the Durock Ice King or the TTC Yunhai, users can expect to experience a similar level of quality and acoustic performance, underscoring the advantages of using nylon as the foundational material in mechanical switch design.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile features an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Yunhai linear switch offers a significantly lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming will find the Yunhai more appealing, as its lower forces help reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing may gravitate towards the Ice King Tactile, given its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, providing a firmer push sensation. In summary, the Ice King Tactile is better suited for those who like a stronger tactile feedback, while the Yunhai is ideal for individuals seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a slight difference. The Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yunhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ice King Tactile the shorter option and the Yunhai the longer one. If you prefer a switch with a snappier response for gaming or rapid typing, the Ice King Tactile might suit your needs better due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys, the Yunhai’s longer travel distance may be more appealing, providing a deeper experience. Overall, while the difference is minor, it can influence your typing experience based on your personal preferences.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 produces a subdued audio profile, creating a dampened sound when pressed. This means that while it isn't completely silent, it maintains a more subtle sound signature compared to many other switches, making it suitable for quieter environments or for users who prefer a less obtrusive auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, which leaves us with a gap in comparison. The sound profile of any switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which should be taken into consideration for a complete understanding.
Regarding the feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile excels with a compilation of very specific attributes. The combination of a silky and frictionless typing experience elevates the typing feel, allowing for a smooth and effortless keystroke. This switch also features a stepped tactile sensation, which provides a noticeable tactile bump without feeling overwhelming. The polished finish contributes to a refined and sleek typing experience, minimizing resistance further. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the TTC Yunhai linear switch are unknown, making it difficult to identify a direct comparison based on this quality.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out with its combination of subdued sound, silky smoothness, and a well-defined tactile experience enriched by a polished finish. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai linear switch presents an unknown auditory and tactile quality, offering less information for comparison. For those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback alongside a subtle sound, the Ice King Tactile is an exemplary choice, while the Yunhai may appeal to those preferring a different, gentler typing experience, the specifics of which might reveal themselves through personal experimentation.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you thrive on a tactile experience that enhances your connection with each keystroke, the Ice King Tactile is an exceptional choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 68 grams provides a pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback loop while typing. The silky, frictionless feel and subdued sound profile elevate the experience, making it perfect for focused environments or long typing sessions where comfort is key. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing style, the TTC Yunhai, with its 50 grams bottom out force, may be the better option. Its deep, rounded sound adds a distinctive character while the lightweight actuation allows for rapid keystrokes without much physical effort. This makes the Yunhai suitable for fast typists or gamers who need quick response times without the fatigue associated with heavier switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor the tactile feedback and smoothness of the Ice King Tactile or the lightness and acoustic qualities of the Yunhai.
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