HMX Cheese vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Durock Ice King Tactile present compelling options to consider. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch that offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile is a tactile switch known for elevating tactile typing to an art form, blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying experience. While the Cheese is lighter and provides a smooth typing experience, the Ice King Tactile offers a symphony of touch with its pronounced tactile bump. 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
43g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Ice King Tactile are both made of nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, while both switches share the same housing material, the impact of the housing material may vary depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. This means that despite using the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings, users may notice slight differences in sound and feel depending on which part of the switch is being engaged.
Overall, the choice of housing material in both the HMX Cheese and the Durock Ice King Tactile contributes to their ability to create a unique typing experience. The use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall tactile feedback when using these switches. While there may be slight variations in the impact of the housing material depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing, users can expect a similar level of performance and sound quality from both switches due to their shared use of nylon as the housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight between the two. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. While the Cheese offers a lighter and more nimble typing experience, the Ice King Tactile provides a more robust and tactile feedback for users who prefer a heavier switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch are both 3.5mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Users will feel the same level of resistance and tactile feedback when using either switch. Therefore, there is no significant difference in travel distance between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $2.99.
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.
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 HMX Cheese switches are best known for their satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, offering an unparalleled smoothness in typing. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches are described as having a subdued sound, providing a dampened yet still noticeable sound when pressed. The choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference for sound, as both offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance your typing enjoyment.
When it comes to the feel, the HMX Cheese switches unfortunately lack a specific descriptor. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches are described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished. This means that the Ice King Tactile switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a unique tactile bump and refined finish, providing a premium typing feel. If smoothness and a pronounced tactile sensation are important to you, the Ice King Tactile switches would be the ideal choice between these two options.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switches and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a light switch with a crisp and clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switches would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, tactile typing experience with a subdued sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lighter actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch may be the best option for you. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a pronounced tactile bump and a creamy smooth typing experience, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire. Choose wisely based on your preferences for actuation force, sound, and typing feel.
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