Durock Ice King Linear vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, both options offer a smooth and frictionless typing experience. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky feel and subtle creaminess, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its low-pitched actuation and buttery smoothness, housed in an attractive pink and clear housing. While both switches share similarities in their frictionless operation and polished feel, the Ice King Linear leans towards a more subdued typing experience, whereas the Strawberry offers a comfortable and reliable performance. 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
52g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Strawberry both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, with the Ice King Linear utilizing nylon for both while the Strawberry uses polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic properties that result in a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both materials have their unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry continue to showcase the differences between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear maintains the deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry reinforces the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with the unique characteristics of each material enhancing the overall typing experience in their own ways.
While the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Strawberry differ, their unique properties are designed to enhance the sound and feel of the switches in distinct ways. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to contribute its specific qualities, impacting both the actuation and release of the keys. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Ice King Linear or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Strawberry, both switches offer a customized typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal sound and feel preferences, with each housing material providing a unique touch to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can see that there are noticeable differences between the two. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Strawberry's lighter 43 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a similar typing experience in that regard. The Ice King Linear offers a more substantial push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, while the Strawberry's lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Strawberry linear switch. The Ice King linear switch would provide a quicker response time compared to the Strawberry linear switch due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers might appreciate the Ice King Linear switch for its faster responsiveness, while those who enjoy a deeper key press might prefer the KTT Strawberry switch. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, with the Ice King being slightly shorter than the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound that is dampened and subtle, creating a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch produces a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound of both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Ice King Linear and KTT Strawberry switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering a refined and polished typing feel with minimal resistance and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry switch is also noted for being frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, emphasizing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a premium typing experience with a focus on smoothness and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and KTT Strawberry linear switches excel in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While the Ice King Linear switch may offer a slightly quieter sound compared to the low-pitched sound of the KTT Strawberry switch, both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort. Whether you choose the Ice King for its subdued sound and silky feel or the KTT Strawberry for its low-pitched sound and buttery feel, you can expect similar results in terms of a premium typing experience with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the KTT Strawberry linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more subdued sound and a silky, frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound with a buttery, polished feel, then the KTT Strawberry linear switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing style and what you value most in a switch when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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