Kailh Box Royal vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, to the Durock Ice King Linear, a linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Royal is renowned for its aggressive tactility, providing a sharp and binary feedback that is unmatched in the mechanical keyboard world. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. The Box Royal is characterized by its sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Ice King Linear is described as silky, frictionless, subdued, creamy, and polished. If you prefer a strong tactile response and higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Ice King Linear might be more suitable. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Ice King Linear switches utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches made with harder plastics. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures that the sound produced during typing is consistent and resonant throughout the keystroke.
Despite both switches sharing the same nylon housing material, the differences in the design and construction of the Kailh Box Royal and Durock Ice King Linear switches may lead to variations in typing experience. The specific shape and thickness of the housings, as well as any additional features such as dampening materials or structures, can impact the acoustics and feel of the switches. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and tactile feedback, users may find one switch more preferable over the other based on these nuanced differences in housing design.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Durock Ice King Linear switches are the same, the overall typing experience may vary due to other factors such as switch design, spring weight, and stem material. Both switches offer a deep and rich sound profile thanks to the nylon housing, but subtle differences in acoustics and feel may make one switch more appealing to certain users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch's actuation force of 52 grams, making the Ice King Linear the heavier option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal requires a heavier 70 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 62 grams. Both switches offer a medium feel, but the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Linear, which offers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ice King Linear the shorter option by 0.1 mm. Despite the slight difference, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to those who prioritize quick keystrokes, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Royal could provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Ice King Linear being slightly shorter than the Box Royal.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal switch offers a high-pitched, sharp and crisp sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a more distinctive and attention-grabbing auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a subdued sound, offering a quieter and more refined typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more subtle sound profile. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by a sharp and intense tactile feedback, providing a strong and prominent tactile bump with each keystroke. This level of feedback can be particularly satisfying for typists seeking a highly tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience thanks to its smooth and lubricated nylon construction. This results in a typing feel that is effortless and seamless, minimizing any resistance or friction during key presses.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Those who prioritize a highly tactile typing experience with a sharp sound profile may prefer the Box Royal, while individuals seeking a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a more subdued sound may lean towards the Ice King Linear. However, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Additionally, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing feel and satisfaction for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a sharp and aggressive feedback, as well as a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a subdued sound profile and lower actuation force, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and sound intensity or smoothness and ease of typing in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
Mentioned in this article
