Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and Durock Ice King Tactile stand out as two exceptional options, each offering a unique sensory experience for typists and gamers alike. The Blue Lotus is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback and snappy actuation, featuring a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm that enhances responsiveness during fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. Its striking visual appeal is further amplified by a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB illumination that adds a personal touch to your setup. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile elevates tactile typing with its creamy smoothness and pronounced bump, offering a refined experience that is both satisfying and polished. This switch strikes a balance between smooth actuation and tactile feedback, creating an elegant typing sensation that many users crave. While both switches are great choices for tactile lovers, they cater to different preferences in feel and aesthetics. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Durock Blue Lotus and Durock Ice King Tactile switches present a compelling comparison when it comes to their housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-pure epoxy (UPE) blend for its top housing, which contributes to a unique and premium feel. This combination is designed to provide a distinct tactile experience and potentially enhances the overall sound profile of the switch, allowing for a sharp and crisp feedback upon key release. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, a more traditional material known for its ability to absorb sound and provide a deeper acoustic profile. Essentially, while both switches achieve high-quality performance, the materials dictate how each feels and sounds in use.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Blue Lotus and Ice King Tactile employ nylon as their material of choice. This shared component leads to similar acoustic characteristics, as nylon is renowned for its sound-dampening properties. This means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom housings ensure a richer and fuller sound profile when keys bottom out. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a mellow yet satisfying auditory experience in both switches. Thus, users can expect a nuanced typing experience no matter which switch they choose.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials highlight how these switches cater to distinct preferences while sharing a common auditory quality due to their identical bottom housings. The Blue Lotus, with its modified PC and UPE blend at the top, aims for a premium feel and precise feedback during key releases, while the Ice King Tactile focuses on delivering a classic sound experience through its nylon top. Meanwhile, both switches' nylon bottoms ensure consistency in sound absorption and depth. Ultimately, users who prefer a more pronounced key release and feel may gravitate toward the Blue Lotus, whereas those seeking a traditional, fuller sound profile might find the Ice King Tactile more appealing. Regardless of choice, the end result remains a satisfying typing experience driven by careful material selection.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, we see that both have medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, although the Ice King Tactile is slightly heavier. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams to actuate and has a bottom out force of 68 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus is the lighter option, potentially making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile, being heavier, provides a stronger push feel, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. While both switches share similar characteristics due to their medium-heavy classification, the slight differences in force create distinct tactile experiences for users.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference suggests that the Blue Lotus offers a more pronounced feedback and depth in key presses, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times for their inputs. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that feels more robust and hearty, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice, while the Ice King Tactile is ideal for those who favor a faster, more responsive key press.
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 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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches, one finds that the Blue Lotus delivers a bassy tone. This sound profile results in a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses, making each actuation feel substantial and resonant. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile operates with a more subdued sound, characterized by a dampened auditory response that offers a subtler signature compared to the pronounced thump of the Blue Lotus. These differences in sound can influence the typist's overall experience, with the Blue Lotus appealing to those who enjoy a louder, more impactful keypress, while the Ice King may suit users preferring a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches excel in providing an accented and snappy tactile response. The medium tactile nature ensures a noticeable bump without overwhelming the user, complemented by responsiveness attributed to their slightly shorter travel distance. The presence of a stepped feel enhances the typing experience, allowing for a pronounced tactile response during both the pre-travel and post-travel phases. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile sets itself apart with a remarkably silky and frictionless typing sensation, promoting smoothness throughout the keypress. This level of finesse is supported by the polished finish of the switch, which minimizes resistance and maximizes fluidity during typing. Much like the Blue Lotus, the Ice King also features a stepped tactile response, providing a balanced experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct sensory experiences appealing to different preferences. The Blue Lotus dominates in delivering a basier, more pronounced sound and an accented, snappy feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback in a lively auditory environment. Conversely, the Ice King caters to those seeking a quieter, smoother typing experience with its subdued sound and silky feel. Depending on your typing style and sound preference, each switch can provide a satisfying experience in its own right.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a prominent tactile feel combined with responsive feedback, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and snappy characteristics make it particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who thrive on quick reactions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile switch may better suit your needs. With its slightly higher bottom-out force, silky and frictionless feel, and a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King caters to those who prefer a quieter typing environment and a less intense tactile sensation. By considering the characteristics of each switch alongside your typing style and preferences, you can make a well-informed decision that enhances your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
