Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience, but they present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow switches are recognized for their heavier feel within the Glory lineup, promoting a satisfying keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, which many typists find enjoyable for both gaming and typing tasks. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switches stand out for their silky smoothness attributed to their full nylon construction and generous factory lube, creating a frictionless experience often described as creamy and polished. While the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more weight in their keystrokes, the Ice King Linear caters to users who prioritize a gliding sensation that enhances their typing efficiency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches, it is noteworthy that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant because nylon is renowned for its acoustic properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, leading to a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound signature. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience, making these switches suitable for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
Despite the shared use of nylon in both switches, the specifics of their design and construction may result in variations in feel and sound. While both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock Ice King Linear have nylon top and bottom housings, the way each switch is designed and assembled can influence the overall feel when typing. For instance, factors such as the stem design and lube application might differ even if the materials are the same, affecting how the switches feel when pressed and how they respond during release. Thus, while the sound characteristics might be comparable, users may notice subtle differences in the tactile experience offered by each switch.
In terms of sound impact, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall performance of the switches. Since both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock Ice King Linear utilize nylon for both housings, this leads to a synergistic effect in their acoustic output. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes to the sound upon key release. With both switches employing the same material, users can anticipate a cohesive sound profile throughout the keypress cycle, reinforcing the idea that selecting either switch will yield similar results in terms of auditory feedback while allowing for personal preference in terms of tactile experience.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch exhibit some key differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences among users. The Glory Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, allowing for easier key presses, which can be beneficial during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Ice King Linear has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a responsive typing experience. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Ice King Linear also has a defined bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. This means that while the Glory Yellow may provide a lighter touch and potentially less finger fatigue, the Ice King Linear offers a firmer and more defined resistance when bottoming out. Users who favor a lighter switch may lean towards the Gateron Glory Yellow, while those appreciating a heavier push feel might opt for the Durock Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, the Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Glory Yellow the longer of the two options, offering a more substantial depth that some users might prefer for a richer tactile experience. In contrast, the Ice King Linear's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance promotes quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking fast response times in their gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; if you favor depth and a more pronounced feel when typing, the Glory Yellow is the better option, while the Ice King Linear suits those who prefer a snappier action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is known for its subtle keystrokes that generate a muted yet satisfying thock sound, making it appropriate for quieter environments while still providing audible feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is designed to deliver a more subdued, smooth sound profile, mainly due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. Both switches encourage a quiet typing experience, which can appeal to users who prefer minimal noise while they type.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions. The Durock Ice King Linear switch, on the other hand, amplifies this experience with descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. This means the Ice King provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, making each keystroke feel seamless and enjoyable. While both switches offer a satisfying feel, the Ice King excels in providing an ultra-smooth experience thanks to its construction and lubrication.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock Ice King Linear switches cater to those who appreciate a smooth typing experience with a quieter sound profile. While the Glory Yellow is a solid option for general comfort and enjoyment in typing, the Ice King elevates the experience further with its exceptional smoothness and advanced materials, which are designed to minimize friction and resistance. For newcomers, either switch will likely provide a positive typing experience, although the Ice King may offer a slight edge in terms of the overall tactile quality.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're seeking a switch that offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience characterized by a smooth keystroke and an unspecified but likely lighter bottom-out force, the Glory Yellow may be your best option. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a fluid feel rather than a defined resistance, making it suitable for long typing sessions or if you enjoy a more casual typing style. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a silky, frictionless experience, the Ice King Linear is an excellent choice. With its robust nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, it provides a creamy and polished typing feel, making it great for both gaming and typing—a perfect balance if you like to engage in multiple activities. In the end, your choice should reflect whether you value the ultra-smooth experience of the Ice King Linear or the unique qualities of the Glory Yellow that prioritize fluid motion without resistance.
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