Durock Ice King Linear vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make a significant difference. The Durock Ice King Linear switch is renowned for providing a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. This switch is particularly appealing for those who prefer a frictionless feel and may spend long hours typing without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch elevates tactile interaction to an art form, featuring a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback while maintaining a creamy smoothness. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a more engaged and responsive experience, merging the best aspects of both tactile and linear designs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on your personal preference—whether you prioritize smoothness for uninterrupted typing or crave that tactile engagement with each 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
52g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and Durock Ice King Tactile switches share a common foundation, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity leads to an identical acoustic profile when typing on either switch, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic. This material effectively absorbs sound, creating a sound signature that is duller and rounder compared to harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect similar auditory feedback and typing experience across both switches, enhancing their overall satisfaction regardless of which version they choose.
While the housing materials are the same in both the Ice King Linear and Ice King Tactile, the specifications of each switch differ in their tactile feedback and overall feel during use. This distinction arises from the design differences rather than the materials themselves. The Linear variant offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for a seamless typing sensation. Conversely, the Tactile variant incorporates a tactile bump that provides noticeable feedback upon actuation. Although the acoustics are similar due to the consistent nylon housing, the operational character of each switch diverges, allowing users to select a switch that best accommodates their typing preferences.
Moreover, since both switches utilize nylon in their housings, the qualities imparted by the material will manifest in predictable ways across users' experiences. The bottom housing, having a more substantial impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will contribute to the tactile sensation experienced when a key is fully pressed down. Meanwhile, the softer nature of the nylon top housing will shape the sound upon key release, maintaining that sought-after acoustic consistency. Understanding these dynamics underscores how, despite differences in tactile feedback, Durock Ice King switches leverage the same high-quality materials to maintain desirable sound characteristics, catering to varying user preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which can greatly influence user experience. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it lighter overall. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference in force means that typists and gamers who favor a lighter switch may find the Linear switch more comfortable for prolonged use, while those who prefer a more substantial, tactile feel will likely appreciate the added resistance of the Tactile switch. Ultimately, if you're seeking an effortless typing experience, the Ice King Linear provides that with its lower forces, whereas the Tactile version suits those with a preference for a firmer push at both actuation and bottom out.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch share an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel when typing or gaming, making them suitable for users who appreciate a consistent keystroke experience regardless of the switch type. As a result, whether you prefer the smooth action of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch is typically quieter than many traditional mechanical switches, but specific acoustic characteristics haven't been detailed. The Ice King Tactile, on the other hand, features a subdued sound profile. This dampened auditory signature allows for a typing experience that is far less obtrusive, making it ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. While both switches can produce a rather discreet sound, the tactile variant consciously reduces any auditory distraction more effectively than the linear option.
As for feel, the Ice King Linear excels with a notably silky, frictionless typing experience. This switch is engineered for an exceptionally smooth feel, allowing the user's fingers to glide over the keys effortlessly. With its creamy texture and polished finish, it minimizes resistance during engagement and disengagement, resulting in fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile offers a similarly smooth sensation but adds a pronounced tactile bump. This bump provides satisfying feedback upon actuation, which many typists find rewarding. Both switches achieve a silky and polished feel, yet the Tactile variant incorporates an additional layer of interaction with its tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Tactile switches present smooth and refined typing experiences, featuring silky, frictionless, and polished qualities. While the Linear excels in a more quiet and seamless typing manner, the Tactile offers an engaging tactile bump in conjunction with its smoothness, catering to different preferences. Whether you prioritize a muted operation or crave a pronounced tactile response, both switches promise exceptional quality, making them suitable choices for any newcomer exploring mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you lean towards a silky, frictionless typing experience where smoothness reigns supreme, the Ice King Linear is tailor-made for you. Its lighter, medium-bottom-out force of 62 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed and fluidity. However, if you relish tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying sensation of a pronounced bump during your keystrokes, you should consider the Ice King Tactile. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 68 grams, the tactile switch provides a more deliberate feel, giving you that additional feedback as you type. Furthermore, while both switches offer a refined, polished finish, the Ice King Tactile's subdued sound profile complements environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. By considering what’s most important to you—whether it’s silky smoothness for rapid responses or tactile feedback for a more engaging typing experience—you can confidently select the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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