TTC Ice vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and the Durock Ice King Linear each bring unique attributes to the table that cater to different preferences. The TTC Ice is renowned for its crystal-clear transparent design, which not only adds a touch of elegance to any keyboard setup but also delivers a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound. This switch strikes an excellent balance between gaming performance and everyday typing, making it a versatile choice for users who value both aesthetics and functionality. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, characterized by its subdued and polished feel. Ideal for those who prioritize a frictionless actuation and a creamy tactile sensation, this switch promises exceptional comfort during long typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Durock Ice King Linear each utilize distinct housing materials that contribute significantly to their overall sound profiles and performance characteristics. The TTC Ice incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for its stiffness, delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency also enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly for setups featuring RGB lighting, as the light can effectively shine through. Conversely, the Durock Ice King Linear opts for nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs more sound, producing a rounder and duller auditory experience compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches potentially offer unique sensory experiences, their differing materials yield varied results in terms of sound quality. In the TTC Ice, the stiff polycarbonate allows for clearer sound transmission, making it ideal for users who prefer a more assertive auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon, being softer, promotes a muted sound that may appeal to those who favor a more subdued auditory environment. Thus, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference; one may lean towards the clarity of the polycarbonate while the other might appreciate the warmth of nylon.
Moreover, the impact of these materials is noticeable not just in sound but also in feel, especially when pressing the switches. The TTC Ice’s stiffer housing ensures that the tactile response feels assertive and sharp, while the Durock Ice King Linear provides a smoother, possibly softer feel thanks to the absorbing qualities of nylon. Ultimately, while users of the TTC Ice and Durock Ice King Linear can expect different sound experiences due to their materials, both switches can deliver satisfactory results tailored to individual preferences. If users desire a well-rounded experience, selecting switches that mix and match these materials can also help combine the clashing qualities, leading to a customized typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch present a comparable experience in terms of actuation and bottom-out forces, although they do have slight differences that may influence user preference. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-force switch that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 52 grams and has a bottom-out force of 62 grams, providing a heavier feel that some users might find more satisfying. This means the TTC Ice switch is the lighter option, while the Ice King Linear is heavier. Despite these differences, both switches fall within a medium range, suggesting that users could expect somewhat similar typing experiences, with the Ice King offering a more substantial push that may be preferred by people seeking a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch exhibit slight differences in their travel distances, which may influence user preference and typing experience. The TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that for those who prioritize responsiveness, the Ice King Linear may offer a marginally quicker actuation due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, if a user prefers a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, the longer travel distance of the TTC Ice could provide that desired depth. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the TTC Ice being the longer option and the Durock Ice King Linear offering a slightly snappier experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
The Durock Ice King Linear 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 Linear for $4.20.
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 TTC Ice switch is noted for a satisfying bottom-out sound, which indicates a pleasant auditory response when the keys are pressed down completely. While the exact sound profile of the Ice isn’t specified, its emphasis on a premium typing experience suggests a more refined acoustic quality. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized by its subdued sound profile. This means that while it produces a dampened noise during key presses, it avoids the louder "click" often associated with other switches. The differences in sound may come down to personal preference—some users may appreciate the more pronounced feedback of the Ice, while others may prefer the quieter demeanor of the Ice King.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is described generally as smooth and responsive, making it a suitable choice for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. However, the Ice King Linear switch takes the typing experience to another level, being described with terms like “silky,” “frictionless,” “creamy,” and “polished.” Its full nylon construction along with generous factory lube helps create an exceptionally smooth and effortless actuation, minimizing any drag during typing. Therefore, while the TTC Ice offers a quality feel, the Ice King Linear provides an elevated, luxurious typing experience characterized by an almost effortless glide across the key surface.
In summary, both the TTC Ice and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer valuable experiences but cater to slightly different preferences. The Ice excels in providing a satisfying auditory punch, suitable for those who enjoy more feedback, while the Ice King Linear stands out with its remarkable smoothness and reduced noise profile. Ultimately, both switches embody high-quality craftsmanship, but depending on your priorities—be it sound or feel—you may find one more appealing than the other. These differences can guide your choice when considering your ideal keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer unique characteristics that may suit different user preferences. If you're someone who enjoys a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound for both gaming and everyday typing tasks, the TTC Ice switch, with its medium 60-gram bottom-out force and striking transparent design, may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky-smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Durock Ice King Linear switch, slightly firmer at 62 grams but featuring a full nylon construction and generous factory lube, could be more appealing. Additionally, if sound is a key consideration, the Ice King's more subdued audio profile might be better suited for quieter environments or if you're looking to minimize distractions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value aesthetic appeal and a classic feel over a more refined and cushioned typing experience.
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