Kailh Box White vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Durock Ice King Linear, a linear switch. The Box White switch is favored by those seeking maximum audio feedback, as it produces a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its nylon construction and factory lube. While the Box White switch provides a crunchy and resonant typing experience, the Ice King Linear switch offers a creamy and subdued feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preferences. 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
Yes
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
The Kailh Box White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Box White may produce a higher-pitched sound, the Ice King Linear offers a rounder and duller sound experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the material used in their top housings.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box White and the Ice King Linear utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience across both switches. The nylon bottom housings absorb more sound from typing, resulting in a softer and less sharp bottom-out sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. In this aspect, the Box White and the Ice King Linear offer similar sound profiles due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
In summary, the Kailh Box White and the Durock Ice King Linear differ in their top housings with polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, offering distinct sound profiles. While the Box White provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Ice King Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. However, both switches share nylon bottom housings, leading to a consistent typing experience with a softer bottom-out sound. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound characteristics, with the Box White leaning towards a sharper sound and the Ice King Linear towards a more mellow sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force required. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of force needed, with the Ice King Linear being slightly heavier than the Box White. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Box White might be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Ice King Linear might be the better option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky 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. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users in terms of performance. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly shorter travel distance, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance, so you can expect similar results from either option.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This switch provides a clean and sharp sound profile that can be immersive for those who enjoy clicky switches. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as producing a more subdued sound when pressed. This switch offers a dampened sound signature that is not completely silent but provides a more subtle typing experience compared to most switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is known for its polished typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch provides a sleek and refined feel due to either the materials used or factory lubing. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation. The Ice King Linear switch enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Like with sound, the preference for feel will ultimately depend on personal typing preferences and the desired tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a crisp and high-pitched sound alongside a polished typing feel, while the Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound with a silky and frictionless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box White being more focused on audible feedback and the Ice King Linear emphasizing smoothness. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches promise a quality typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value maximum audio feedback and a crunchy tactile feel, the Box White switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences and needs.
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