Huano Grape Orange vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Huano Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience that is ideal for extended sessions—perfect for those who prioritize a light touch and quick response. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, which caters to users looking for a polished and frictionless typing experience. While the Grape Orange excels in minimizing finger fatigue with its light actuation, the Ice King Linear appeals to those who value a luxurious, creamy keystroke. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Durock Ice King Linear, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing materials. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity, resulting in a bright auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for setups utilizing RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant illumination through the keycap. In contrast, the Ice King Linear employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties effectively absorb sound, creating a rounder auditory signature that provides a more subdued typing experience. Thus, the Grape Orange aims for clarity and brightness, while the Ice King Linear prioritizes warmth and depth.
Looking at the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon, presenting a convergence in design. The Grape Orange's nylon bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile by absorbing sound, which enhances the deeper tones of each keystroke. Similarly, the Ice King Linear's bottom housing lends a classic and familiar feel, promoting the same type of warmth and fullness associated with nylon. Since both switches share this housing material for the bottom section, their sound profiles will exhibit a deep and rounded quality during typing, making them more comparable in this aspect despite their differing top materials.
The differences in top housing materials emphasize the unique sound characteristics each switch brings while showcasing how their similarities in bottom housing create a foundational sound profile. Essentially, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom; the Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top accentuates higher frequencies upon release, whereas the Ice King Linear’s nylon top dampens sound for a mellower response. However, since both switches feature nylon bottoms, users of either switch can expect that deeper, resonant quality in the sound and feel when bottoming out. This design approach allows enthusiasts to tailor their typing experience by selecting a switch that aligns with their preferred auditory characteristics while benefiting from the reliable performance offered by nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentle touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Ice King Linear requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. This distinction indicates that the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Ice King is the heavier switch. Overall, users who favor a softer response may opt for the Huano Grape Orange, whereas those who prefer more resistance might lean towards the Durock Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a key switch that provides a bit more depth and a more substantial feel, the Grape Orange would be the preferable choice due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear will offer a quicker response time with its lesser travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster actuation. Both switches, with their close travel distances, can deliver a responsive performance, but if you feel more comfortable with a traditional depth, the Grape Orange may be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value the tactile experience of a longer travel or the speed of a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Grape Orange and Durock Ice King Linear switches, the Grape Orange's sound signature remains unspecified. In contrast, the Ice King Linear is characterized by a subdued sound, producing a dampened noise when pressed. This makes the Ice King Linear a quieter option, ideal for environments where minimizing sound is essential. However, it’s important to note that the overall acoustic experience can be influenced by the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, meaning that while the Ice King may have a naturally quieter profile, the end result can vary significantly based on these variables.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange is again not described in detail, whereas the Ice King Linear is renowned for its remarkably silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. This switch is designed to provide an exceptionally smooth sensation while typing, creating a gliding effect as fingers effortlessly traverse the keys. The meticulous factory lubing and the use of premium materials contribute to this luxurious feel, making every keystroke rewarding. In contrast, depending on the characteristics of the Grape Orange, users may or may not find a similar level of smoothness; this remains to be explicitly stated.
In summary, while the Durock Ice King Linear offers a clear edge in terms of a refined sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Huano Grape Orange remains an option that could appeal to those seeking a lighter actuation force. Those who prioritize a quiet and polished experience may gravitate towards the Ice King, while the Grape Orange could serve well for those who prefer an ultra-light switch. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your personal typing preferences and the acoustic environment in which you’ll be using these switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Grape Orange and Durock Ice King Linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Grape Orange with its 40g actuation force and pleasant bottom-out force of 50 grams will provide an effortless experience, allowing you to type quickly without fatigue. This makes them particularly suitable for those who spend long hours on their keyboard, as they reduce the physical strain. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more robust feel with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Ice King Linear is an excellent choice. Its silky smooth and creamy typing experience, enhanced by factory lube, makes it ideal for users who prioritize a refined tactile sensation and a more substantial keystroke. Additionally, the Ice King's subdued sound profile makes it a better option for quieter environments where noise levels are a concern. Therefore, weigh your preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel to choose the switch that best complements your typing style, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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