Gateron Beer vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Durock Ice King Linear offer distinct experiences for users. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, is known for its sparkling allure reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, with its translucent green design. This switch is lauded for its refreshingly lightweight feel and stepped tactility, providing a subtle tactile feedback that is different from the continuous curve of other tactile switches. Additionally, the Beer switch produces a characteristic clacky sound, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. This linear switch offers a frictionless and subdued feel, described as creamy and polished. While the Gateron Beer is easy to press and clacky, the Durock Ice King Linear is silky and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal 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
38g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Durock Ice King Linear, we can see that both switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear incorporates a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. While the top housings differ in material, they both contribute significantly to the overall sound profile of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The differences in material between the bottom housings of these switches highlight how the choice of plastic can impact the overall typing experience. Despite these variations, both switches maintain a high level of quality and unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Beer and the Durock Ice King Linear showcase the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the Beer's polycarbonate housings create a sharper and crisper sound, the Ice King Linear's nylon housings offer a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each material brings a distinct sound profile that can enhance the overall typing feel. Despite their differences, both switches excel in providing a premium typing experience, catering to users with varying preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Beer switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Ice King Linear switch, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, and users can choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance for mechanical switches. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature. Both switches have unique sound profiles that can add character to your typing experience, with the Beer switch being more crisp and bright, while the Ice King Linear switch is more mellow and understated.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press and stepped, providing a gentle resistance with a subtle tactile bump in the keystroke. This results in a typing experience that is responsive and low-impact, enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The Ice King Linear switch promotes fluid key travel and a buttery sensation when typing, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize smoothness in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch has a clacky sound with an easy-to-press and stepped feel, while the Ice King Linear switch provides a subdued sound with a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can deliver excellent performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light actuation force, gentle resistance during key presses, and a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force, a silky smooth typing experience, and a more subdued sound, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing feel and sound profile you prefer for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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