Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the strengths of various options. Two contenders worth considering are the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jelly, both of which offer their own unique appeal. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, delivering a feel that is both creamy and polished. In contrast, the HMX Jelly provides a delightful low-pitched, thocky sound signature that many typists find satisfying, complemented by its lightweight design and super smooth operation with a 42g actuation force. While the Ice King appeals to those seeking a quiet yet refined typing experience; the Jelly excels in offering auditory feedback alongside a nimble feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon as their housing material, which positions both switches in a similar sound and feel category. In the case of the Ice King Linear, the nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, ensuring that every keystroke sounds warm and rounded. Likewise, the HMX Jelly shares the same nylon composition in both its top and bottom housings, which naturally leads to a comparable auditory experience. Given that both switches use nylon, users can expect to achieve a similar depth in sound and an overall softer typing experience. The use of a softer plastic, such as nylon, allows for sound absorption, thereby creating a muted and smooth keystroke sound that enhances the typing experience.
Although the Ice King Linear and the HMX Jelly use the same material for their housings, it's essential to consider the potential for variations in switch design or internal mechanisms that could still impact the overall performance and feel. While the nylon composition ensures that both switches provide a rounded sound profile, other factors—such as spring tension or stem design—could influence the way a user perceives the typing experience. This is particularly pertinent because the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottoming-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound produced during the release of the key. These subtle design differences may lead to varying tactile sensations and sound levels, despite the shared material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Linear and the HMX Jelly may come down to personal preference regarding the specific design elements that influence the typing feel. Both switches utilize the acoustic properties of nylon to create a similar sound profile, allowing users to enjoy a soft and dampened typing experience. Therefore, anyone looking for a warmer, fuller sound will find both switches appealing. However, users may wish to test each option to determine which design resonates most with their typing style, as the distinct characteristics of the upper and lower housings may create an individualized experience that separates these two models despite their shared material composition.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium option that may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which can be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, particularly for those who prefer a softer touch. This means that while the Ice King provides a more tactile resistance, the Jelly's lighter weight may lead to less finger fatigue during prolonged use. Consequently, users looking for a more responsive and lighter switch should gravitate towards the HMX Jelly, while those seeking a heavier, more robust feel might prefer the Durock Ice King.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that the Ice King offers a more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Jelly switch provides a deeper experience, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the Ice King is the shorter option, while the Jelly is the longer one, allowing users to choose based on their preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 presents a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound that is less intrusive compared to many other mechanical switches. This creates an environment that allows for focused typing without overwhelming noise, making it suitable for both quiet office settings and shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch is known for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, offering a more resonant auditory experience. This distinctive sound can add character to the keyboard, catering to those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback without venturing into the overly loud territory.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear excels in delivering a silky and creamy smooth typing experience. Its full nylon construction combined with generous factory lubrication results in a frictionless sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This polished finish contributes to an overall refined typing experience, minimizing any resistance during key presses. In contrast, detailed tactile feedback for the HMX Jelly is less specified, so it remains uncertain how it measures up in terms of feel. However, the Ice King's well-defined silky qualities make it a contender for users seeking a luxurious typing experience.
Considering all the characteristics discussed, the Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out as an excellent choice for enthusiasts desiring a smooth, quiet, and refined typing experience, thanks to its subdued sound and exceptional feel. The Jelly switch, while offering a unique sound profile, lacks specific descriptions regarding its tactile feel, leaving some uncertainty for potential users. Overall, if you're seeking a more muted and elegant typing experience, the Ice King has you covered, while those drawn to richer acoustic feedback may find the Jelly appealing, albeit with less certainty regarding its tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium bottom-out force that offers a silky smooth typing experience, characterized by a subdued sound and creamy feel, the Ice King Linear is an excellent option. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a refined and polished typing experience with minimal resistance, making it great for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the HMX Jelly switch might be more suitable for you. Its low-pitched, thocky sound signature provides a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly if you value a noisier switch that still maintains a super smooth feel thanks to its exceptional factory lube. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you lean towards a heavier and more subdued experience with the Ice King or a lighter, more tactile experience with the Jelly.
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