Gateron Aliaz vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz to the Durock Ice King Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, both being tactile switches, we can see that they each bring unique characteristics to the table. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying feel to each keystroke without the noise. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactiles stand out for their creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a truly unique and satisfying typing experience. Both switches are in the 'Silky' category, but the Ice King Tactile offers additional characteristics like 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished'. If you are looking for a switch tailored for a quiet setting with a substantial feel, the Aliaz may be the way to go. However, if you seek a more intricate and refined tactile typing experience, the Ice King Tactile could be the perfect choice. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Tactile, it is evident that they both utilize different materials for their top housing. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. While the Aliaz is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Ice King Tactile offers a more classic typing experience with its nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Tactile continue to differ in their choice of materials. The Aliaz incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. These differences in bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the Aliaz offering a sharper bottom-out sound and the Ice King Tactile providing a rounder sound.
While the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Ice King Tactile have distinct housing materials for both the top and bottom, they ultimately deliver similar results in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate and nylon materials each contribute their own unique characteristics to the switches, with the Aliaz offering a sharper and crisper sound while the Ice King Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is the heavier option. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, which is slightly lighter in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Aliaz. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the difference in weight may cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Ice King Tactile at 3.5 mm. The Aliaz offers a more traditional travel distance, ideal for those who prefer a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to individuals looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may be advantageous for those seeking a faster key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 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.
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 switches offer a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like an office setting. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches provide a subdued sound, offering a more dampened and subtle sound signature. Both switches aim to minimize noise, providing a more pleasant typing experience without disturbing others. The choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Aliaz and Durock Ice King Tactile switches are described as offering a silky smooth typing experience. They both prioritize smoothness, reducing resistance and enhancing the overall typing feel. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, further enhancing the sleekness of the typing experience. The Ice King Tactile switches also offer a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Moreover, the stepped design of the Ice King Tactile switches provides a unique tactile feel with distinct stages during the keystroke. Overall, both switches focus on delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, catering to those who prioritize comfort and tactility in their keyboards.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Aliaz switches excel in providing a medium-heavy weight with a pronounced feedback, making them ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switches stand out with their creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying tactile experience with remarkable finesse. While the Aliaz switches are tailored for quiet environments, the Ice King Tactile switches bring a blend of smoothness and tactility to the forefront. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a heavier key press with a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique tactile experience with a creamy smoothness and a pronounced bump, along with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile switch would be a great choice. Additionally, if you prefer a more muted sound and silky feel, the Aliaz switch may be more suitable, whereas if you enjoy a subdued sound and a combination of smoothness, frictionless feel, and a stepped tactile response, the Ice King Tactile switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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