Huano Acacia vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an impressive typing experience right out of the box. Its smooth keypresses make it an excellent option for those who prioritize swift and uninterrupted gliding while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch elevates tactile feedback to new heights, combining a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump. This unique combination offers a satisfying typing experience that caters to users who enjoy a sensory response with each press—a perfect balance for those who appreciate both efficiency and feel in their keystrokes. Each switch brings distinct advantages: the Acacia for its effortless linear action and the Ice King Tactile for its nuanced tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches, it is evident that they differ significantly in their top housing compositions. The Acacia's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer, more resonant sound when typing, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material enhances RGB lighting effects, providing a visually appealing aesthetic that complements modern gaming and typing setups. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which offers a richer and deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience that caters to users who favor a subtler, more muted auditory response.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This means that while the top housing materials differ, they converge in the qualities imparted by the nylon bottom housing. The nylon construction contributes to a fuller and deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, which can dampen the bottom-out sound that occurs when a key is pressed all the way down. This uniformity in bottom housing creates a cohesive tactile experience for both switches, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of nylon’s acoustic dampening regardless of the disparity in the top materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the two switches results in distinct sound profiles while still maintaining a level of continuity through their nylon bottom housing. Users will notice that the Acacia’s polycarbonate top housing sharpens the sound upon release, while the nylon bottom contributes warmth to the keystrokes. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile's softer nylon top housing will produce a more subdued sound when typing, but similarly, the nylon bottom will enhance the depth of the sound during bottom-out moments. Therefore, while there are notable differences between the acoustic qualities of the switches, the shared nylon bottom housing assures that both switches can provide a satisfying tactile experience with their unique sonic signatures.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for users who favor prolonged typing sessions without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a more substantial, tactile feedback that some users prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize a lighter touch for extended use, the Acacia is the better option, while the Ice King Tactile appeals to those who enjoy a heavier, more resistant feel. Overall, these differences highlight how each switch serves distinct typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is the same at 3.5 mm. This equal travel distance means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress depth when using either switch. Therefore, if you prefer one switch over the other based solely on travel distance, you can anticipate a comparable experience.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is notably characterized by its minimal sound signature, making it relatively quiet compared to other more audible switches. This subtlety allows for a discreet typing experience without the distraction of louder auditory feedback, making it suitable for both office environments and quiet settings. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch exhibits a subdued sound quality, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While it is not entirely silent, the muted auditory feedback ensures that it remains less intrusive than many other tactile options. However, as with any mechanical switch, the overall sound will also be influenced by keycap choice and the board's material properties.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch offers a very pleasant typing experience that benefits from its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, allowing users to experience fluid keystrokes without interruption. Meanwhile, the Ice King Tactile switch elevates the tactile sensation by blending silky smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a unique typing experience that is engaging and satisfying. With frictionless key travel, it minimizes resistance, enhancing the overall feel. Additionally, the stepped nature of the tactile bump provides layers of feedback, allowing typists to sense both pre-travel and post-travel movements, while the polished finish ensures a smooth interaction with the keys.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Durock Ice King switches bring unique qualities to the table that cater to different preferences. The Acacia linear offers a quiet and fluid typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize subtlety and smoothness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile provides a lively and tactile experience that combines refinement with pronounced feedback, appealing to those who enjoy an engaging typing interaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile sensation, but both can provide exemplary performance suited to various typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth experience right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light weight, combined with generous factory lubrication, allows for fatigue-free typing, making it ideal for extensive use in gaming or typing scenarios where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile experience, the Ice King Tactile switch elevates typing to an art form with its pronounced tactile bump and silky, frictionless key travel. At 68 grams of bottom out force, it provides more resistance, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy a noticeable feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, the subdued sound profile of the Ice King Tactile makes it a suitable option for quieter environments where excessive noise can be a distraction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance between smoothness and tactile feedback to create the ideal typing or gaming experience tailored to your needs.
Mentioned in this article
