HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smooth, uninterrupted feel of linear switches and the satisfying feedback of tactile switches. The HMX Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and the innovative Ly stem design. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience without tactile distractions. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch elevates the art of tactile typing, offering a creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each press. This rare harmony of characteristics makes the Ice King Tactile ideal for those who enjoy the sensation of a tactile response while still maintaining a smooth actuation. Both switches have their unique appeals, catering to different preferences and styles of use. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches share identical housing materials, specifically nylon for both the top and bottom housing. As noted, nylon’s characteristics significantly influence the switches' auditory and tactile profiles. Both switches benefit from the soft nature of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The ability of nylon to absorb sound contributes to a rounded acoustic quality, offering users a tactile experience that feels solid and muted rather than sharp or hollow. Thus, users can expect similar auditory feedback and overall typing experiences from both switches due to this common material choice.
In practice, the similarity in housing material leads to a unified performance across both the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches. As the nylon top and bottom housings work in concert, the resulting sound profile when bottoming out each switch tends to be consistent. Since both switches leverage nylon’s admirable sound-dampening properties, they create a harmonious experience during key presses and releases. Consequently, whether a typist is utilizing the Deep Navy or the Ice King Tactile, the distinct tonal quality and cushioned feedback remain aligned, enhancing the overall typing satisfaction.
However, it is essential to recognize that while the building materials are the same, the design and tuning of each switch might potentially lead to differences in feel and actuation force. The precise engineering of the internal switch mechanism may still yield slightly varied tactile experiences, even with both utilizing nylon housing. The bottom housing primarily dictates the impact of the sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound produced upon release. Therefore, users may notice nuanced variations in feel or performance despite the otherwise matching housing materials, which allows for a tailored experience anchored in the fundamental qualities of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prioritize a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile has a significantly heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Therefore, if lighter switches are preferred, the Deep Navy is the better option, while the Ice King is suited for those who appreciate more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that while typing experiences can be tailored based on individual preferences, one switch offers a lighter feel and the other a heavier, more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ice King Tactile the shorter of the two options by just 0.1 mm. For those who favor a quicker response time, the more compact travel distance of the Ice King may be appealing. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming, the slightly longer travel distance of the Deep Navy could provide that desired depth. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively short travel distances that cater to modern preferences, but the choice between the two may come down to whether you value responsiveness or depth in your keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its rich and sharp audio profile that enhances the keystroke experience, thanks to its full nylon construction. This characteristic provides a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to other switches, offering an engaging and clear sound during typing. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a more subdued sound, producing a dampened noise that is less intrusive, making it suitable for environments where quiet operation is preferred. While the sound will be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, these two switches create distinctly different auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a lively sound or a quieter keystroke.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Deep Navy offers an incredibly smooth typing experience, characterized by minimal friction and a fluid travel. This is ideal for those who enjoy the seamlessness of linear switches. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile presents a more complex tactile experience, combining a pronounced bump with silky smoothness. The tactile feel is stepped, giving a sense of both pre- and post-travel feedback, which can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a tactile feel. The Ice King also boasts polished qualities, contributing to a refined touch sensation that minimizes resistance. Overall, while both switches provide a satisfying feel, they cater to different typing preferences—either fluidity with the Deep Navy, or a textured tactile feedback with the Ice King.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference, especially regarding sound and feel. The Deep Navy excels in providing a vibrant auditory experience and a seamless typing motion, making it a great choice for those seeking fluidity. Conversely, the Ice King offers a more nuanced typing experience with its tactile feedback and refined smoothness, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing. Both switches will yield distinct results, allowing you to customize your mechanical keyboard experience based on your desired auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it great for long typing sessions or gaming, where speed and fluidity are paramount. Additionally, the rich sound profile adds an auditory element that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you value the tactile feedback during your typing and appreciate a medium-heavy resistance, then the Ice King Tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of 68 grams, it provides a satisfying tactile bump that enhances your typing precision while maintaining a smooth feel. The subdued sound also allows for a quieter working environment, making it an attractive option for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your typing style, whether you lean towards smooth and rapid keystrokes or a pronounced tactile sensation that enriches your overall experience.
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