Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and the unique light column feature, while the Ice King Linear boasts a full nylon construction and generous factory lube for an equally smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus features a 55g actuation weight, providing a substantial feel without being too heavy, whereas the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. While both switches offer similar qualities such as smoothness and precision, their unique characteristics 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
55g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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
The Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear switches both feature nylon top housing material, which gives them a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. The Black Lotus, however, also incorporates a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which adds a unique and premium feel to the switch. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear sticks to a more traditional nylon housing for its top component. Despite this difference, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, resulting in a rounder and duller sound that enhances the typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Black Lotus and the Ice King Linear switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a more muted and rounded sound when the keys are pressed. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether it is the Black Lotus with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing or the Ice King Linear with its standard nylon top housing, the bottom housing plays a critical role in shaping the overall sound and tactile feedback of these switches.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials. While the Black Lotus stands out with its unique modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, both switches benefit from the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the Black Lotus or the classic simplicity of the Ice King Linear, you can expect a similar level of sound quality and typing satisfaction from both switches due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear is the lighter option. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, the Ice King Linear may be the preferred choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Black Lotus with its heavier forces may be more suitable. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear. A 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of a keyboard. Gamers may prefer the Ice King Linear with its shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while those looking for a more substantial feel may opt for the Black Lotus. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience with their unique travel distances, catering to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for being quiet and smooth, providing a satisfying typing experience without producing loud or distracting noise. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, dampening the noise when keys are pressed for a more subtle auditory experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel, both the Black Lotus and Ice King switches are praised for their silky smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus offers a buttery and polished feel, reducing resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of keystrokes. Similarly, the Ice King switch provides a frictionless and creamy sensation, allowing for effortless key presses and fluid key travel. Both switches are designed to minimize friction and provide a polished feel for a premium typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Ice King linear switches offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus may lean towards a slightly quieter typing experience, the Ice King provides a more subdued sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches excel in providing a silky and polished typing experience with minimal resistance. Ultimately, whether you choose the Black Lotus or Ice King, you can expect a top-tier mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the specific qualities you prioritize in your typing experience. If you value a slightly heavier bottom out force and the unique in-switch lighting feature, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a full nylon construction with generous factory lube for a smoother typing experience, the Ice King Linear might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation weight, smoothness, and additional features like in-switch lighting.
Mentioned in this article
