Huano Elf vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Durock Ice King Linear stand out with unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, making it a popular choice for those who seek a satisfying auditory experience alongside a comfortable typing action. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear is celebrated for its construction from full nylon, providing a silky smooth and frictionless experience that feels polished and creamy under the fingers. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize a seamless typing action with a softer sound profile. Both switches offer distinct advantages, whether you’re drawn to the Elf’s rich acoustics and feel or the Ice King’s smoothness and subdued characteristics. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
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
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Durock Ice King Linear reveals significant distinctions that influence both their performance and sound profiles. The Huano Elf employs a top housing made from POK material, which boasts impressive durability and shock resistance, leading to a smoother typing experience with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This refined quality enhances the switch's responsiveness and ultimately results in a crisp, clacky sound. In contrast, the Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, a well-established material in the switch market known for its softer properties, thereby resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The POK material of the Elf is designed to outperform nylon in certain aspects, particularly in durability and resilience, which means the two switches offer different tactile and auditory experiences despite both being suitable for high-quality switch construction.
While the top housing of the Huano Elf relies on POK for its enhanced durability and sound characteristics, the bottom housing of both the Elf and Ice King Linear incorporates nylon, which presents a unique consistency in their sound profile. Nylon is a classic material that contributes to a softer, more rounded sound experience, absorbing more vibrations during typing. Hence, when both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they inherently possess similar qualities that affect the bottom-out sound and feel. This consistency in material ensures that both types of switches will deliver a deeper, fuller auditory response when the switch is depressed.
Overall, the combination of differing top housings and shared bottom housings results in nuanced differences between the Huano Elf and Durock Ice King Linear switches. The Elf, with its POK top housing, focuses on durability and a crisp response, while the Ice King Linear employs nylon to create a softer and rounder sound experience. However, since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom portion, they maintain a certain level of auditory consistency that enhances their overall usability. Therefore, while contrasting materials lead to different experiences in terms of sound and feel, both switches can achieve similar outcomes in their deeper sound profiles when bottomed out due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces emerge. The Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams, catering to those who enjoy a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. While the Ice King also provides a bottom out force of 62 grams, the Elf's bottom out force is unknown, making it challenging to directly compare how they feel when fully pressed down. Thus, the Ice King is the heavier option overall, while the Elf stands out for its lighter actuation force, appealing to users seeking a more effortless keypress experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, the differences are clear. The Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Elf switch offers a deeper and potentially more tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a substantial key press. In contrast, the Ice King Linear, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, making it a favorable choice for gamers looking for heightened speed in their keystrokes. Overall, if you appreciate a heartier depth in your keystrokes, the Huano Elf would be the better option, while the Durock Ice King would cater to those who prefer a more immediate and responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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.
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
The Huano Elf linear switch offers a rich sound signature, characterized by a deep, resonant tone that enhances the acoustics of your typing experience. This robust sound is complimented by its medium-light feel, making it satisfying when typing. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch presents a more subdued auditory profile. While not silent, it operates with a dampened sound, resulting in a more subtle and refined acoustic experience. Both switches showcase the variances in sound signatures that can be influenced by factors such as keyboard choice and keycap selection, but the Elf generally stands out for its bolder acoustics.
When we examine the feel of these two switches, the differences become even more pronounced. The Elf's tactile feedback is enjoyable and responsive, but specific details about its texture were not provided. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear is lauded for its silky, frictionless touch. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. The Ice King also features a creamy sensation, resulting in an effortless gliding motion, thanks to the factory lubrication and its polished design. In essence, the Ice King has attributes that create an almost luxurious typing experience, while the Elf leans towards a straightforward responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deep sound with a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying, while the Durock Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound paired with an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience. If you prioritize acoustics and a heavier feel, the Elf might be your choice. However, if you desire an exceptionally smooth and creamy experience, the Ice King is likely to fulfill that need. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, so your ultimate choice will depend on the auditory and tactile characteristics that best suit your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a medium-light feel and are looking for a switch that delivers a rich, deep sound signature, the Elf might be the right choice for you. It is especially suited for users who enjoy a more acoustic typing experience, as its POK top housing enhances sound quality, making each keystroke satisfying without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that prioritizes a silky smooth typing experience with an emphasis on minimal resistance, the Ice King Linear would be a better fit. Its full nylon construction, coupled with generous factory lube, provides a frictionless and creamy feel. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a subtle yet refined typing experience, reflected in its subdued sound profile. Ultimately, choose the Elf for an engaging acoustic experience and a lighter feel, or opt for the Ice King Linear for a smooth, whisper-quiet performance with a polished essence.
Mentioned in this article
