Gateron Glory Red vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the differences between options like the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Ice King Tactile can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lightweight design and smooth keystroke, offering a pleasant travel distance that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Its simplicity appeals to those who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch represents a masterclass in tactile typing, combining a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump. This delicate balance creates a satisfying experience that engages the typist’s sense of touch, making it ideal for users who appreciate the feedback that tactile switches provide. While the Glory Red caters to a straightforward, responsive style, the Ice King Tactile enriches each keystroke with a sensory delight. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
When considering the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches, it is notable that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material selection plays a crucial role in the acoustic properties of both switches, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Because nylon is a softer plastic compared to other materials like polycarbonate or ABS, it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, users can expect a satisfying, muted sound resonance from both switches, ensuring that neither exhibits the harsher characteristics associated with harder plastics.
Despite the identical housing materials, the user experience might differ due to the unique engineering and design of each switch. The Gateron Glory Red is designed to provide a linear feel, which can lead to a smooth keypress experience. Conversely, while the Durock Ice King Tactile features a tactile bump that provides feedback when pressed, the effect of the nylon housing can add depth to this tactile experience as well. Hence, while both switches deliver deep sound profiles, the activation characteristics defined by their internal mechanisms will provide varying sensory feedback during use.
In a situation where the top and bottom housings differ in material, the acoustic properties may be more segmented, giving each part a distinct role in sound production. However, since both the Gateron Glory Red and Durock Ice King Tactile use nylon for both housings, the sound profile remains cohesive throughout the keystroke. Any sound or feedback will reflect the qualities of the nylon housing evenly across the typing experience. Consequently, regardless of their functional differences—such as linear versus tactile feedback—the sound will be comparably smooth and well-balanced for both types of switches due to the consistent use of nylon in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force become apparent. The Glory Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it easier to press down and can lead to a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch features a heavier actuation force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for users who prefer that feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, the Ice King Tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 68 grams. As a result, those who favor a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Red, whereas those seeking more resistance will likely prefer the Durock Ice King Tactile switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, the Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Ice King Tactile could be the better option, as it requires a shorter keypress to register. Conversely, if you prefer a fuller feel when typing or gaming, the Gateron Glory Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences—one favoring quicker responses and the other a more substantial feedback—they are relatively close in terms of travel distance, with just a 0.1 mm difference separating them.
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 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 Gateron Glory Red switches produce a relatively quiet and unobtrusive noise, which can make them suitable for both office environments and home use without being disruptive. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches feature a subdued sound profile. While not completely silent, this muted quality provides a more subtle auditory footprint compared to many other mechanical switches, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a softer keystroke sound. Both switches have their own unique acoustic characters, with the Ice King emphasizing a more refined and dampened sound, while the Glory Red offers a clean and gentle click that doesn't draw too much attention.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches stand out with their smooth keystroke and a pleasant travel distance, making typing a potentially very enjoyable experience. They are designed for users who favor a refined and linear feel, devoid of tactile bumps or resistance. Meanwhile, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a complex and multi-faceted tactile experience; it blends silky smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, resulting in an exceptionally satisfying typing sensation. The unique combination of a stepped tactile feel and polished finish contributes to a frictionless operation, allowing for effortless key presses that users may find very engaging.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and Durock Ice King Tactile switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Glory Red is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and simple linear feel with quieter feedback, the Ice King Tactile is perfect for users who enjoy a more diverse tactile experience combined with a subdued sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize a linear smoothness or a tactile feedback sensation in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Glory Red is an excellent choice. Its lighter feel promotes quick key presses and rapid sequences without any resistance, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity. However, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing, the Ice King Tactile switch would be better suited for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force, pronounced tactile bump, and silky smooth travel, it offers an engaging typing experience that is perfect for those who appreciate the sensation of each keystroke. Additionally, the subdued sound profile of the Ice King makes it a more office-friendly option if noise is a concern. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer the swift, unhindered action of the Glory Red or the rich tactile feedback and satisfying depth of the Ice King Tactile.
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