Outemu Crystal vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Outemu Crystal offers a unique, linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a distinctive feel while typing. Additionally, the Crystal switches provide a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switches boast a silky smooth typing experience thanks to their full nylon construction and generous factory lube, offering a seamless and frictionless feel. They are also categorized as being silky, creamy, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that could appeal to different preferences in typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
The Outemu Crystal and the Durock Ice King Linear both use different materials for their top and bottom housing. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, producing a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches have different housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The polycarbonate housing of the Outemu Crystal provides a more crisp and sharp sound, ideal for users who prefer a higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Durock Ice King Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who enjoy a more rounded typing sound. Despite their differences, both switches deliver excellent sound quality thanks to their carefully selected housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Ice King Linear will depend on personal preference for sound profile. If you enjoy a sharper and crisper typing experience, the Crystal with its polycarbonate housing would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the Ice King Linear with its nylon housing would better suit your preferences. Regardless of which switch you choose, both will provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinctive housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Crystal at 55 grams and the Ice King at 62 grams, making them both medium in terms of bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Crystal switch would make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ice King switch would appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference between the two may seem minimal, but when it comes to preferences, even minor variations can make a significant impact. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Crystal may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, providing a unique and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, creating a quieter and more subtle typing sound. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, and creamy feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness of typing, but the Ice King Linear switch may offer a slightly more luxurious feel due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer unique and high-quality linear typing experiences with their own distinct characteristics. While the Crystal switch provides a more elastic and medium-light weight feel along with a neutral sound profile, the Ice King Linear switch delivers a silky smooth typing experience with a quiet and subdued sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches are excellent options for those seeking a premium linear switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between Outemu Crystal linear switches and Durock Ice King Linear switches, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and prefer switches made of full nylon construction with generous factory lube for reduced friction, then the Durock Ice King Linear switches would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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