Gateron Glory Red vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Ice King Linear stand out as exceptional options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red switches are acclaimed for their lighter touch, providing a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more responsive feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switches are celebrated for their silky smooth performance, stemming from their full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, which offers a frictionless, subdued feel that can make extended typing sessions more comfortable. While both switches cater to linear switch aficionados, each delivers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences and use cases. 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
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
POK
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 Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Ice King Linear switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housing. This choice of material is significant as nylon is known for its softness compared to other plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-dampening qualities of nylon. This similarity in housing materials will ensure that users experience a rounded and soothing auditory feedback while typing, regardless of which switch they choose. The mutual use of nylon is a deliberate design choice that enhances the acoustic experience by minimizing sharp, high-frequency noises often associated with harder plastics.
While both switches utilize nylon, it’s important to note the configuration of their housing. In the case of the Gateron Glory Red, both the top and bottom housings consist of nylon, ensuring a cohesive sound profile from the moment the key is pressed down to when it is released. This consistency offers a uniform response, resulting in a satisfying typing experience where both the bottom-out sound and release sound harmonize well. Similarly, the Durock Ice King Linear’s design reflects this same approach, with its nylon housings working together to produce a rich sound. Both switches will thus provide similar auditory results, creating a pleasant sonic environment for typists and gamers alike.
In considering the differences or nuances between the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is essential to recognize that while the core materials are identical, the overall switch design and feel may differ, impacting user experience beyond just sound. While both switches boast prospective harmony in sound, factors such as spring tension, actuation force, and even stem design can lead to unique typing sensations and responses. Hence, although the nylon housing provides similar sound profiles, the experiential characteristics tied to each switch could diverge significantly based on their construction and intended use. Thus, while users can expect comparable sound results from both switches, the overall tactile experience may differ, catering to specific preferences in typing feel and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Ice King requires a heavier 52 grams to reach actuation. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Ice King is specified at 62 grams, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable. This disparity means that the Gateron Glory Red may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions, as it does not give a defined bottom out force. In contrast, those who seek a more tactile and substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Ice King, given its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Overall, the Ice King Linear is the heavier option, making it ideal for those who favor a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, the Glory Red measures 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Glory Red the longer option by just 0.1 mm, which may provide a bit more feedback during keystrokes. For those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience, the Ice King Linear’s shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker actuation, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking swift responses. However, this shorter travel distance might also feel a bit more abrupt for users who prefer a more substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will hinge on personal preference for either a deeper keystroke or a faster response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red switch remains unspecified, but typically linear switches are known for their quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches. The Durock Ice King Linear switch, on the other hand, is characterized as "subdued," producing a dampened sound when pressed. This means it doesn't create a loud noise upon actuation, which can be quite appealing for users who prefer a more subtle auditory experience while typing. The sound of both switches can vary based on factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycap materials, but the Ice King's relatively muted sound signature may give it an edge for those seeking a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for providing a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, although specific descriptors of its tactile characteristics are not detailed. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch boasts a remarkably silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing feel. The generous factory lube applied to these switches significantly enhances the overall smoothness, making for an effortless typing experience. Users can expect to glide their fingers over the keys without experiencing resistance or friction, which elevates the satisfaction of each keystroke. While the Glory Red offers a smooth experience, the extensive qualities associated with the Ice King may provide a noticeably superior tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red promises a pleasant typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear switch elevates the linear switch experience with its many well-defined qualities. Users prioritizing sound might find the Ice King's subdued profile more appealing, while feel enthusiasts will likely appreciate the smoothness and effortless travel characteristics of the Ice King. Those seeking a more refined and luxurious tactile sensation may lean toward the Ice King, as its combination of factors delivers a unique and gratifying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, but if you opt for the Ice King, expect a smoother and quieter operation in comparison to the Glory Red.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and key actuation force. If you prefer a lighter keystroke and an effortless typing experience, the Glory Red may be ideal for you. Although the exact bottom-out force for the Glory Red is unspecified, its reputation for delivering a smooth and enjoyable travel distance makes it a great choice for casual typing and gaming where rapid key presses are frequent. On the other hand, if you seek a more substantial feel and don't mind a bit of resistance, the Ice King Linear, with its 62-gram bottom-out force, might suit your needs better. The Ice King provides a silky, creamy typing experience due to its nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a pleasure for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the subdued sound profile of the Ice King Linear creates a more discreet typing environment, which can be advantageous in quieter settings. Ultimately, choose the Glory Red for a lighter, smoother typing experience or the Ice King Linear for a polished and more tactile feel—both will significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience depending on your specific desires.
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