Gateron Aliaz vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King linear switch, it's important to note that they each offer unique benefits depending on your typing preferences. The Aliaz is ideal for those in quieter environments such as the office, as it has a silent design and a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While both switches are categorized as 'Silky' and 'Polished', the Aliaz is more 'Muted', while the Ice King Linear is described as 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', and 'Creamy'. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your specific typing needs and preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Linear switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Aliaz using polycarbonate for both and the Ice King Linear using nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aliaz provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and is beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference on the type of sound one prefers.
The bottom housings of the Aliaz and Ice King Linear switches also differ, with the Aliaz using polycarbonate and the Ice King Linear using nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz contributes to the clear and resonant sound profile of the switch, while the nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during bottom-out sounds and feels when pressing down on the key, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing the key. Understanding how each housing material affects the overall sound profile can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
In terms of similarities, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer a unique typing experience with their top and bottom housings made of different materials. While the Aliaz features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, creating a sharper and clearer sound profile, the Ice King Linear uses nylon for both housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a premium typing experience that can cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to the specific qualities that each housing material brings to the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it's evident that the Aliaz is the heavier of the two. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a lighter typing feel with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who enjoy typing for longer periods may find the Ice King Linear more suitable due to its lighter weight. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a satisfying typing experience for users with different preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we can see that the Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances but offer slightly different experiences. The Aliaz provides a more traditional typing feel with its longer travel distance, ideal for those who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Gateron Aliaz is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound, with a dampened sound signature that is not completely silent but still offers a more subtle typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize noise, making them suitable for quiet environments like offices. However, the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Linear offer a silky smooth typing experience. The Aliaz switches are described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Ice King Linear switches are also described as silky and polished, with the additional descriptors of frictionless and creamy. These qualities contribute to a typing experience where key presses feel effortless and fluid, allowing for a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer superb tactile and linear options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aliaz switches are favored for their medium-heavy weight and pronounced typing feedback in a silent design, making them ideal for those seeking a substantial typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switches boast a full nylon construction and generous factory lube, providing a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and friction. Overall, while the sound and feel characteristics may vary slightly between the two switches, users can expect similar high-quality results in terms of typing comfort and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the environment and the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet and substantial typing feel with a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switch is a great choice for office use. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and weight. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs.
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