HMX Blue Topaz vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear are two options that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz switch is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, offering users a seamless typing experience with a satisfyingly clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, providing a frictionless and polished feel. While the Blue Topaz switch is easy to press and clacky, the Ice King Linear switch is categorized as silky, subdued, creamy, and polished. 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
40g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to stiffer plastic materials. Both switches benefit from the acoustical properties of nylon in their bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience with a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housing material sets the Blue Topaz and Ice King Linear apart. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of switches using nylon. The softer composition of nylon absorbs sound, creating a different acoustical experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz.
Overall, while both switches share a common material for their bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Blue Topaz with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, especially suited for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option. With an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, it provides a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch offers a heavier feel with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Linear switch for its heavier forces. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation force helping trigger a keystroke and bottom out force measures pressing all the way down, albeit with different levels of force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Blue Topaz being a lighter option and the Ice King Linear being the heavier choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Topaz has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Ice King Linear's 3.5 mm. The Blue Topaz offers a slightly deeper key press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times and may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster keystroke. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking speed and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound, producing a more dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Depending on personal preference, users may lean towards the vibrant and lively clacky sound of the Blue Topaz or the more mellow and understated sound of the Ice King Linear.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. 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 with fluid key travel. Users who value a silky typing feel with minimal resistance may prefer the Ice King Linear over the Blue Topaz.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its distinctive glittery housing, smooth actuation, and clacky sound signature, providing a lightweight and visually appealing typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky typing experience with generous factory lube, alongside a subdued sound profile and a variety of smooth feel descriptors. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Topaz and Ice King Linear switches will come down to personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring that whether you choose the Blue Topaz or the Ice King Linear, you'll achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light actuation force and a clacky sound with a visually striking design, the Blue Topaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a subdued, silky smooth sound with a frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what features you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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