Kailh Box Jade vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch are both popular options to consider. The Box Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, offering crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear provides a smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, offering a silky and frictionless feel. Each switch provides a unique typing experience that caters 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
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This means that when typing on either of these switches, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Box Jade allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it a great choice for those looking for a switch with a distinct sound profile.
On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing. This difference in sound profile is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. While both switches offer a unique typing experience due to their housing materials, the Box Jade is likely to provide a more vibrant and distinct sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Ice King Linear may cater to those looking for a softer and more muted typing sound with its nylon top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Ice King Linear will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing will appeal to those looking for a sharper and crisper typing experience, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing will cater to those seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of their nylon bottom housings, creating a cohesive feel when bottoming out keys. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of a switch, allowing users to customize their typing experience according to their preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have comparable actuation and bottom out forces, with the Box Jade being slightly lighter at 50 grams actuation and 60 grams bottom out, while the Ice King Linear is slightly heavier at 52 grams actuation and 62 grams bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range of force, providing a balance between a light typing experience and a more substantial push feel. The difference in weight between the two switches may be subtle, but it can make a difference for users who have a preference for a specific actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. However, for those who are more particular about the feel of the switch, the Box Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy clicky sound that is distinctive and satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a subdued sound that is more muted and less intrusive, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound, as both offer unique audio profiles that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual needs.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch boasts an accented and invigorating tactile experience, offering a good amount of feedback and actuation force that can make typing feel more engaging and responsive. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, creating a fluid and effortless sensation when pressing the keys. Whether you prefer a more tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback or a silky smooth and frictionless feel, both switches offer unique tactile qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience based on your personal preferences.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy clicky sound with accented and invigorating tactile feedback, while the Ice King Linear offers a subdued sound with a silky smooth and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile feel in your typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can significantly impact the way you interact with your keyboard, so consider your personal preferences carefully when deciding between these options.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silky typing experience with minimal sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and needs.
Mentioned in this article
