HMX Gravel vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smooth responsiveness of linear switches and the tactile feedback provided by their tactile counterparts. The HMX Gravel switch, a linear option, is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that enhances the overall typing experience. Its design allows for a seamless keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those who value a fluid and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch takes tactile typing to new heights with its distinctive blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a more engaged and satisfying feel when pressing keys, providing a unique tactile experience that merges both smoothness and feedback. Each switch has its own appeal based on your typing preferences; while the Gravel is perfect for those seeking a quieter, linear feel, the Ice King Tactile caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced touch. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile switches, there are notable differences in their top housings that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as its clear composition allows for light to pass through effectively, creating an appealing visual experience alongside auditory feedback. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which is notably softer, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities lend a mellower tone to the feedback when typing, markedly contrasting the sharper and crisper characteristics provided by polycarbonate.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a more uniform sound experience in this aspect. The nylon used in both the Gravel and Ice King Tactile bottom housings ensures that the sound produced when bottoming out is rounded and enriched, emphasizing a deeper acoustic response. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, users may find a similarity in the overall feel during the actuation and bottom-out phases, despite the distinct sounds carried by their different top materials. The impact of the bottom housing on sound and feel is evident, as the soft texture of the nylon dampens the auditory harshness, producing a consistent tactile experience across both switches.
In essence, while the Gravel and Ice King Tactile switches showcase different top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Gravel and nylon for the Ice King Tactile—their similar bottom housing ensures that a fuller sound profile is preserved across both switches. Users can anticipate how the integration of these materials shapes their typing experience: the Gravel will deliver a bright sound when released due to its polycarbonate top, while the Ice King Tactile will offer a softer sound profile throughout the key press thanks to its nylon top. Collectively, the fusion of these housing materials provides both switches with unique characteristics, yet they may yield similar fundamental typing experiences due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to activate and bottom out. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile boasts a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, giving a tactile feedback that might enhance the typing experience for some users. Consequently, individuals seeking a lighter switch for comfort and endurance would gravitate towards the Gravel, while those desiring more resistance and a pronounced push feel would favor the Ice King Tactile. Overall, the differences highlight that the Gravel is better suited for light use, whereas the Ice King caters to heavier preferences.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they offer the same keypress experience in terms of how far the switches travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity ensures that users will feel a comparable response when typing or gaming, allowing for consistent performance across both switch types. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of actuation distance, either switch will meet your needs equally well.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel switch is not specifically detailed, but it is important to note that the overall sound signature can vary greatly depending on additional factors like the keyboard construction and keycap type. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise when pressed. This means that while the Ice King Tactile isn’t completely silent, it offers a more restrained auditory experience compared to many other tactile options, making it suitable for quieter environments or for users who prefer a less intrusive sound while typing.
When considering feel, the HMX Gravel switch boasts an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, ideal for those who favor an effortless and responsive touch. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile excels in blending silky smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump. Its frictionless design provides a fluid keystroke experience, minimizing resistance during actuation. Additionally, the stepped quality of the Ice King Tactile gives it a mild but noticeable tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. Overall, the Ice King Tactile’s polished and smooth attributes create a refined typing experience, making it a delight for tactile enthusiasts.
In summary, both switches offer unique qualities appealing to different preferences. The HMX Gravel's smooth and responsive characteristics may attract users looking for a linear typing experience without distractions, while the Durock Ice King Tactile combines silky smoothness and tactile feedback for a more engaging typing journey. If you're unsure which switch to choose, consider the sound and feedback that best suits your typing style, as both can lead to a delightful mechanical keyboard experience, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel linear switches and Durock Ice King Tactile switches ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you value a light touch and desire a silky-smooth typing experience, the HMX Gravel is the ideal choice. Its relatively low actuation force of 50 grams makes it perfect for those who enjoy a responsive feel, ideal for fast typing, and requires minimal effort to actuate. This switch shines particularly well in scenarios where prolonged typing is involved, such as coding or writing, as it reduces finger fatigue while providing a seamless experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile engagement with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, the Durock Ice King Tactile is highly recommended. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 68 grams, it gives you that satisfying feedback during each keystroke, which can enhance your typing accuracy and provide a more dynamic feel. This makes it a great option for writers or gamers who appreciate the tactile sensation and stability in their keystrokes. Thus, your choice should align with whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or tactile feedback and a firmer touch—each offering a unique flavor to your mechanical typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
