HMX Gravel vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel 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 HMX Gravel and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer compelling options for enthusiasts, though each presents a distinct typing experience. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, featuring a medium-light actuation force that enhances responsiveness and makes typing feel effortless. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch while still appreciating a satisfying tactile response. Conversely, the Durock Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky-smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, which result in a frictionless and polished feel. This switch appeals to users who prioritize a subdued yet luxurious typing experience, making each keystroke a delight. While both switches provide a linear action that many typists love, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 HMX Gravel and the Durock Ice King Linear, one can see a distinct contrast in the properties of their top housings. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics, which enhance sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an optimal choice for RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through and illuminate the switch beautifully. In contrast, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon dampens sound, leading to a rounder tonal quality that appeals to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience.
Despite their differing top housing materials, both switches employ a nylon bottom housing, which contributes similarly to their sound profiles. The nylon used in both the Gravel and the Ice King Linear provides a consistent experience by absorbing sound and creating a more pronounced bottom-out feel. Typing on both switches will yield a tactile response characterized by a deeper and rounder sound, as nylon is adept at minimizing the impact noise when the key is fully pressed. This shared bottom housing material allows both switches to produce a familiar auditory feedback that users can expect, facilitating smoother typing experiences across different switch types.
Ultimately, while the HMX Gravel and Durock Ice King Linear differ significantly in the construction of their top housings, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive sound experience. The combination of the distinct characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon at the top, versus the consistent qualities of nylon at the bottom, allows for a unique blend of sound profiles. Users can appreciate the sharpness of the Gravel's top housing while also enjoying the deep resonance contributed by the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, those who prefer the Ice King Linear's more muted and fuller sound will similarly benefit from the impactful performance of its nylon housing. In essence, both switches deliver a rich auditory experience, albeit through different manifestations of sound.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch provide distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Gravel switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, promoting longer typing sessions without fatigue, ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push. This difference in force means the Gravel switch caters to those seeking a lighter experience, while the Ice King offers a firmer resistance for users who enjoy a heavier switch. Overall, if you're looking for a lightweight switch for prolonged activities, the HMX Gravel is the better option, while the Durock Ice King is suitable for those who prefer a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they will provide comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness, making either choice suitable for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. This equal travel distance ensures that neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, promoting a uniform performance in their respective applications.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel switch exhibits a profile that prioritizes a subtle auditory presence, although specific descriptions of its sound characteristics are not available. Meanwhile, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued sound, which offers a dampened auditory feedback when pressed. This means that while neither switch can be deemed completely silent, the Ice King Linear is engineered to deliver a more muted, refined acoustic experience compared to the potentially more prominent sound signature of the Gravel. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, you could achieve a similar subdued experience with either switch.
When assessing the feel of these switches, the HMX Gravel is renowned for its smoothness and refined typing experience. Although specific descriptors are not provided, it is known for an effortless typing sensation that enhances user comfort. In contrast, the Ice King Linear boasts a range of textured impressions; it is silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These attributes suggest a luxurious typing experience that minimizes resistance and provides a gliding sensation across the keys, ensuring a seamless keystroke. While the Gravel offers a commendable typing experience, the Ice King Linear's elaborately curated feel elevates it for enthusiasts seeking premium tactile engagement.
Considering both switches, the HMX Gravel and Durock Ice King Linear present themselves as compelling options for anyone stepping into the mechanical keyboard space. The Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, embodying a responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Ice King Linear specializes in providing an incredibly smooth, frictionless typing journey with a sophisticated yet subdued sound profile. Ultimately, while they share the common goal of enhancing the typing experience, the Ice King Linear's rich textural qualities may appeal more to those who prioritize nuanced feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, your personal typing preferences and use cases will play a crucial role. If you favor a lighter actuation force that promotes a quicker, more reactive typing experience, the HMX Gravel, with its 50 grams of bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. Its smoothness and refined feel make it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions and fast-paced gaming, allowing for a satisfying tactile experience without much resistance. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bit more feedback in your keystrokes, the Durock Ice King Linear, which has a 62 grams bottom-out force, would be the better option. Its silky, frictionless typing experience, complemented by a subdued sound profile, makes it ideal for environments where you need a quieter operation, such as an open office space or shared living conditions. Additionally, if you appreciate a more pronounced, creamy touch while typing, the Ice King offers that luxurious sensation due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only the feel and sound you desire but also how the switch aligns with your typing habits and environments.
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