Durock Ice King Linear vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Jade Rosales offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smoothness thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, making each keystroke feel frictionless and polished. Users appreciate its subdued sound profile, which can be ideal for both intense gaming sessions and quiet work environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales, refined meticulously over an entire year by XY Studio, provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with its custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques. This focus on craftsmanship delivers a satisfying feel that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences. While both switches fall under the linear category, with their smooth actuation and lack of tactile feedback, they offer distinctly enjoyable experiences tailored to different user needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear switches and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, we see distinct differences between their top housing compositions. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer plastic characteristics, which contribute to sound absorption and generate a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile owing to its stiffer nature. This difference between the two materials leads to contrasting auditory experiences when typing — while the Ice King Linear emphasizes a softer, rounded sound, the Jade Rosales prioritizes clarity and resonance, particularly beneficial for users capitalizing on RGB lighting aesthetics.
The bottom housings of the two switches further illustrate their contrasting characteristics. The Ice King Linear is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, similar in material to its top, which continues the tradition of producing a full-bodied sound profile. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties ensure a dull and rounded auditory experience that complements the top housing. In contrast, the Jade Rosales employs a Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, described as a proprietary BSUN blend. This custom formulation may enhance overall performance, but without a clear description of its sound characteristics, it suggests an intention to combine unique effects with the clear attributes of the polycarbonate top, potentially refining the overall sound profile.
Ultimately, the combination of a nylon top and bottom in the Ice King Linear produces a uniform sound profile, reinforcing the deeper audio experience, while the differentiation in materials used for the Jade Rosales switches implies a nuanced interaction between the top and bottom housings. The essence of how these switches feel and sound derives from the separate contributions of their materials. Each switch's overall performance is a synergy of how the top housing impacts the release sound and how the bottom housing influences the bottoming out sound. While both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, the tonal characteristics will appeal to different preferences, with the Ice King Linear targeting those who prioritize warmth and fullness, and the Jade Rosales aimed at those who enjoy a bright and crisp feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium feel for users who enjoy a bit more resistance during key presses. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light and more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue is a concern. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter typing experience would gravitate towards the Jade Rosales, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Ice King Linear, which may appeal more to those seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Ice King Linear is the heavier switch, while the Jade Rosales is the lighter option.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch is 3.5 mm, indicating that they share the same measurement from the top to the bottom of the switch. This equivalent travel distance suggests that users will experience similar feedback and keystroke length when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. As such, those seeking a consistent typing experience will find both switches offer the same depth of travel, allowing for uniformity in performance and feel.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its subdued acoustics, producing a dampened sound that keeps things relatively quiet without being entirely silent. This characteristic creates a more subtle auditory experience, making it suitable for environments where noise control is desired. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales is currently unknown, meaning it’s difficult to directly compare their auditory qualities. However, it’s important to note that sound can vary significantly based on other factors such as the choice of keyboard, board material, and keycap style.
In the realm of feel, the Ice King Linear switch shines with descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users can expect minimal resistance, allowing for effortless keystrokes that feel like gliding over the keys. The lubrication and materials used in these switches contribute to a fluid travel with a refined finish. On the other hand, the feel of the Jade Rosales switches is not detailed in the provided information, leaving it unclear how they would stack up against the Ice Kings in terms of typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out with its subdued sound profile and a wonderfully smooth feel, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience and fluid key presses. The Jade Rosales switches, while promising with their custom design and refinement, lack specific sound and feel descriptors, and therefore their comparison remains less definitive. For newcomers, the Ice Kings offer a reliable option for silky smooth and subdued typing, while the Jade Rosales present an opportunity for exploration if more information becomes available.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Jade Rosales Linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a firmer key feel and appreciate a slightly heavier bottom-out force, then the Ice King Linear, with its 62 grams force, is likely the better choice for you. The switch’s silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, paired with its subdued sound profile, makes it ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and satisfying tactile response, whether for typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 53 grams, and you value ultra-smooth operation without the need for significant pressure, the Jade Rosales may suit you better. Although it comes with its own unique smoothness that has been meticulously refined over time, it may lack some of the Ice King’s subtle sonic characteristics. Therefore, consider what aspects of performance and feel matter most to you, as both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles.
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