HMX Hibiscus vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Ice King Linear present two compelling options, each with its unique characteristics tailored to distinct typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who crave a bouncy and clacky feel while typing. Its poppy and crispy sound signature adds an extra layer of enjoyment, perfect for users who appreciate auditory feedback while they work or game. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience, achieved through its full nylon construction and generous application of factory lubricant, catering to those who prioritize a frictionless and creamy keypress. This switch is ideal for users seeking a polished and refined tactile experience. Both switches aim to enhance your typing experience, but they cater to different preferences—whether you prefer the lively feedback of the Hibiscus or the smoothness of the Ice King. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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 comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Ice King Linear switches, it’s important to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality provides a unique auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material—known for its softness—absorbs sound better than harder plastics, contributing to a muted and rounder typing experience. Thus, both switches, with their identical nylon composition, will yield similar acoustic properties, making them appealing options for users seeking a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke.
Despite employing the same material for both the top and bottom housings, the HMX Hibiscus and Durock Ice King Linear can still exhibit slight variations in tactile feedback and sound profile depending on their specific designs and builds. If there are differences between how the switch interiors are structured or whether they incorporate unique stem designs, these factors can influence how the switches feel and sound in practice. Although both switches aim to achieve a rich sound signature, the distinctive engineering behind each model could lead to noticeable differences in the experience, particularly in bottom-out and retraction sounds, where the interplay of housing materials and design becomes critical.
In summary, while the HMX Hibiscus and Durock Ice King Linear both utilize nylon as their housing material, which inherently leads to a similar sound profile, the nuances in their designs may create a unique typing experience for each. If both switches maintain the same nylon composition for their housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile characterized by deeper tones and a fuller resonance. Nonetheless, potential differences in switch design could yield an alternative tactile experience, highlighting the importance of testing each switch to find the preferred one without sacrificing the desired auditory qualities shared between these two models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch has a medium actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. This difference in weight results in the Hibiscus being the lighter option, while the Ice King is the heavier, offering a stronger push feel. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort over long periods should lean towards the Hibiscus, whereas those who desire a more substantial typing sensation might favor the Ice King.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect similar results when pressing down on a key with either switch. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a consistent tactile experience, making them well-suited for those who prioritize similar key feel and responsiveness in their typing or gaming scenarios. Since their travel distances are equal, neither can be classified as shorter or longer, allowing for a comparable performance in terms of key actuation depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
The sound profile of the HMX Hibiscus switch is characterized by its vibrant clackiness, delivering a sharp, snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound signature is crisp, bright, and somewhat percussive, creating an engaging acoustic experience that many typists enjoy. In contrast, specific sound characteristics for the Durock Ice King Linear switch are unfortunately unknown, but it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction, mounting method, and keycap choice. Therefore, while the Hibiscus offers a distinctively clacky sound, the Ice King's acoustic qualities might vary and remain a mystery.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus is designed to provide a bouncy and feathery typing experience. This means that as users type, they can expect a lively rebound sensation that adds to the pleasure of rapid typing or gaming. The light actuation force eases finger fatigue, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear is touted for its silky, frictionless typing experience. This switch emphasizes a smooth and buttery keypress, with minimal resistance, making every keystroke feel effortless. Additionally, the creamy and polished characteristics of the Ice King highlight its luxurious feel and refined touch, promising an enjoyable typing experience that may cater to users preferring smoothness over tactile feedback.
Overall, the HMX Hibiscus on the one hand provides a lively and dynamic experience with its clacky sound and bouncy feel, while the Durock Ice King Linear offers unmatched smoothness and a frictionless touch. Both switches have their unique strengths—whether you're drawn to the lively auditory feedback of the Hibiscus or the silky, smooth nature of the Ice King, your typing experience will be tailored to your preferences. If sound qualities are a priority, the Hibiscus will deliver a distinctly engaging auditory experience, while the Ice King's overall performance will likely still provide satisfactory results, albeit with less defined sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a lightweight and engaging typing experience, particularly for gaming or lengthy typing sessions, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice, with its light actuation force of 48 grams, bouncy feel, and satisfying clacky sound signature that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your keystrokes. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy responsiveness and a lively action while typing. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother and more refined experience, especially for tasks that require extensive typing or prolonged use, the Ice King Linear, with its moderate 62 grams of force and silky, creamy feel, is your best bet. Its frictionless action and polished characteristics provide a serene typing experience that can help reduce finger fatigue during long stretches of work. Thus, consider your typing style and preferences, as either switch can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience based on the specific features that resonate most with you.
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