Jerrzi Coral vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Jerrzi Coral, a linear switch, and the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch. The Coral is renowned for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a balance of sophistication and stellar performance. Categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky', the Coral switch provides a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile is known for elevating tactile typing to an art form, blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Ice King Tactile offers a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that appeal to different 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
40g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Durock Ice King Tactile, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on the keys.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Jerrzi Coral differs by using polycarbonate while the Durock Ice King Tactile sticks with nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is also translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a more muffled and rounded sound. This contrast in top housing material highlights the different tones and textures each switch will produce when letting go of a key.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral and the Durock Ice King Tactile ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that delivers a deep and full sound, the differing top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon will result in distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Coral's lighter 40 grams. Additionally, the Ice King Tactile switch also has a heavier bottom out force of 68 grams, while the bottom out force of the Coral switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Coral switch for its lower actuation force, while those looking for a more robust typing experience may prefer the Ice King Tactile switch for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, the Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The Coral switch, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, offers a bit more depth compared to the Ice King Tactile, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch produces a more subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Coral switch may appeal more to those who prefer a lower-pitched sound, while the Ice King Tactile switch is great for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Coral and Ice King Tactile switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Ice King Tactile switch is also noted for being frictionless, providing an effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. The switch's stepped design adds a mild tactile bump, creating a two-stage keystroke feel that can enhance typing accuracy and speed. Both switches offer polished finishes, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Coral switch provides a lower-pitched sound and a crisp typing feel, while the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound and a symphony of touch with its silky, frictionless, and stepped design. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience with either the Coral or Ice King Tactile switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Coral linear switch if you are looking for a switch with a lower-pitched sound and a silky typing feel that offers a nuanced and sophisticated typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Ice King Tactile tactile switch if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a subdued sound profile, and a silky, frictionless typing feel that delivers a satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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