Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear are two popular options to consider. The Blue Lotus switch is lauded for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who prefer a noticeable tactile feedback while typing. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus offers both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch provides a smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and factory lube. This switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear show similarities in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound for both switches, creating a premium typing experience for users. While the nylon material is the same for both switches, the Blue Lotus also features a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel compared to the Ice King Linear.
However, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear differ in their top housing materials, with the Blue Lotus utilizing a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing while the Ice King Linear solely uses nylon. The Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing in the Blue Lotus provides a distinct feel that sets it apart from the Ice King Linear, offering users a unique typing experience. This difference in top housing material may result in a slightly different sound profile when pressing down on the keys, as the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key compared to the bottom housing.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Ice King Linear feature nylon materials for their bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Blue Lotus stands out with its use of a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, offering a premium feel that sets it apart from the Ice King Linear. Both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to the nylon material, but the Blue Lotus may offer a slightly different typing experience with its unique top housing material. Ultimately, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Lotus is the heavier of the two. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Blue Lotus. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Blue Lotus offering a more substantial push feel due to its heavier forces, while the Ice King Linear is slightly lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions. In terms of weight, users who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Ice King Linear, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may choose the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we find that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in keyboards today. Gamers tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Ice King Linear a potentially more favorable option in this regard. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance between these two switches may result in a nuanced variation in typing or gaming experience, catering to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is known for its bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch produces a more subdued sound, providing a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal sound preferences and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium tactile feel with noticeable tactility and responsiveness. Conversely, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Each switch offers a unique typing feel, with the Blue Lotus focused on tactile feedback and the Ice King Linear prioritizing smoothness.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky smooth typing feel with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a marked tactile feel with vibrant RGB illumination, then the Durock Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. Its snappiness and medium-heavy bottom out force make it a great option for those who enjoy a more accentuated typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a better fit. With a medium bottom out force and a full nylon construction, the Ice King Linear offers a frictionless and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Lotus tactile switch and Ice King Linear linear switch will depend on your preference for tactile intensity, typing smoothness, and sound profile.
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