Kailh Box Jade vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Durock Ice King Tactile stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Box Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, making it perfect for those who enjoy crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile provides a smooth and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience with a blend of creaminess and finesse. While the Box Jade is known for its invigorating and accented feel, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky and frictionless touch. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches have their unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Box Jade switch, with its polycarbonate top housing, offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant sound while typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and produces a rounder sound. These differences in housing materials can significantly impact the typing feel and sound produced by each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of both switches provides a similar typing experience in terms of sound, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the top and bottom housing materials differ for each switch, they work together to create a cohesive typing feel that balances the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and the top housing on the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and typing feel. The Box Jade switch's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Ice King Tactile switch's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound production. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with more resonance or a deeper, fuller sound with a rounder tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 58 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams while the Ice King Tactile needs 68 grams, making the Ice King Tactile the heavier option. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-heavy range, providing users with a balance between a light typing experience and a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Box Jade for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may lean towards the heavier Ice King Tactile switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm travel distance. While the difference in distance is minimal, it may still impact the typing or gaming experience for some individuals. The Box Jade's 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a slightly deeper key press feel, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm travel distance might appeal to individuals looking for a slightly quicker response time due to the shorter distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar travel distances and would likely provide a comparable typing experience for most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 clicking noise, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a quieter and more subtle typing experience overall. Depending on personal preference, the Box Jade may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and crisp sound, while the Ice King Tactile may appeal to those seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an invigorating and accented tactile feedback, with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a silky and frictionless typing experience, with a stepped tactile feel that provides a smooth and effortless typing sensation. This creates a unique blend of smoothness and tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a more refined tactile experience. Both switches offer a different tactile feel, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feedback and sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a loud and crunchy sound profile with an invigorating tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a subdued sound with a silky and frictionless feel, perfect for those seeking a smoother and more refined typing experience. Depending on personal preference, individuals can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience, knowing that both switches offer quality and unique characteristics in their own right.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you seek a medium-heavy typing feel with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jades are the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a creamy smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactiles will provide a uniquely satisfying tactile sensation. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided for each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer exceptional qualities, so it's a matter of personal preference when making your decision.
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