Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, you're presented with two exceptional options. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, making it a popular choice for those seeking a frictionless and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow boasts a shorter travel distance, providing a balance between the typing experience on a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its smoothness and clackiness, this switch appeals to those looking for a neutral and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Yellow differ in their sound profiles. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. In contrast, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a higher-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile that is often described as clacky. This difference in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Ice King Linear and the Ink Yellow also contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear enhances its deep and full sound profile, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow adds to its pointed and high-pitched sound. These differences in bottom housing materials further differentiate the typing experience provided by each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Ice King Linear and the Ink Yellow may differ in their sound profiles, they both offer unique typing experiences. The nylon housing of the Ice King Linear provides a softer and more absorbing sound, while the proprietary INK blend housing of the Ink Yellow delivers a sharper and more defined sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for users, offering a variety of options for those seeking a customized sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear is lighter in both aspects. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Ice King Linear would be the preferred choice. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces offered by the Ink Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect consistent tactile feedback and key press actuation across both options. Whether you choose the Ice King Linear or the Ink Yellow, you can be confident that you will get a similar typing experience with either switch.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 offers a subdued typing experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various intents and purposes. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. It is also characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a switch with a more subdued sound and silky smooth feel, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a moderate typing experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Linear or the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended typing experience. If you are looking for a smoother and more refined typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a typing experience that falls somewhere between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it is important to consider what factors are most important to you before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Linear and the Ink Yellow linear switch will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.
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