Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Durock Ice King offer distinct experiences for users. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feedback. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is a linear switch that provides a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, ideal for users seeking a quieter and more frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different 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
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Bamboo Green's PBT top housing provides a neutral sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials have their own advantages, with PBT being described as not very crisp but not dull either, while nylon absorbs more sound and produces a rounder sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green offers a similar neutral sound profile as the top housing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience for users. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing of each switch allow for a balance in sound profile and feel. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is notable, with the softer nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when the key is released, showcasing the distinct characteristics of each material.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Ice King Linear offer different housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and typing experience. While the Bamboo Green's PBT housing provides a neutral sound profile, the Ice King Linear's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a quality typing experience with their unique housing materials. Whether it is the PBT or nylon housing, users can expect a switch that offers a balance between sound profile and feel, showcasing the impact of each material on the typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch which has an actuation force of 52 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Bamboo Green may appeal to those who prefer a feather-light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Ice King Linear's heavier actuation force may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Bamboo Green has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for some users who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences. Ultimately, whether you go for the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear or the longer travel distance of the Bamboo Green, you can expect a quality typing experience with either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is described as subdued, offering a more subtle and dampened sound profile. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users may prefer the more immersive auditory experience of the Bamboo Green or the quieter typing experience of the Ice King Linear.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bamboo Green is recognized for its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished qualities, providing a tactile experience with distinct stages and strong feedback intensity. Meanwhile, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and a buttery sensation. Again, the preference between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for tactility and the level of smoothness they desire in their typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches aim to provide users with a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and sharp tactility of the Bamboo Green or the silky smoothness of the Ice King Linear, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility, the Bamboo Green switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear switch would be more suitable. Consider your sound and feel preferences when selecting between these two switches to ensure you have the best typing experience possible.
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