Durock Ice King Linear vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Kailh BCP Linear present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a superior typing experience. The Ice King Linear, renowned for its silky smoothness, features a full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. This results in a typing feel that is frictionless and subdued, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter and more polished keystroke. In contrast, the Kailh BCP Linear embraces a bouncier, more elastic typing experience, with custom-molded switches designed to eliminate the hassle of disassembly. Users of the BCP will appreciate its signature poppy sound profile, adding a bit of character to each press. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Ice King Linear excels in smoothness and subtlety, while the BCP Linear offers a lively and engaging feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Kailh BCP keyboards utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, which serves to create a distinctive typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from nylon's inherent qualities, as it is a softer plastic compared to many alternatives. This softness allows the switches to absorb sound more effectively, generating a rounder and duller auditory experience when typing. Thus, despite the potential for variances in other aspects, the use of nylon in both models indicates that users can expect a similar acoustic signature when using either switch.
In terms of functionality, the similarities extend beyond just the sound profile to include the tactile experience when typing. Both the Ice King Linear and Kailh BCP employ nylon in their bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in the feel of bottoming out the key. The choice of nylon allows for a softer landing when pressed, enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Since both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, one could anticipate comparable sensations when reaching the end of the key travel, reinforcing the notion that both switches deliver a pleasant typing experience.
However, while both models share the same housing material, any differences in their overall design, switch internals, or spring characteristics may influence the final typing experience. If they were to differ in those aspects, users would feel the influence of the top and bottom housings differently when actuating the switches. For instance, the top housing's material can significantly affect the sound profile when releasing a key, while the bottom housing shapes the bottom-out feedback. Nevertheless, as they both feature nylon in their constructions, typing results from either switch are likely to align closely in terms of sound and feel, solidifying the appeal of each model among enthusiasts seeking a satisfying performance.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch both share the same actuation force of 52 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to initiate a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable lightness when pressing the keys, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Ice King featuring a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the BCP has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This distinction suggests that while both switches start off similarly in feel, the Kailh BCP will provide a marginally more substantial resistance when fully pressed down. Overall, the Ice King is the lighter option for users seeking ease during long use, while the BCP caters to those who prefer a heavier tactile feedback at the end of the keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and Kailh BCP linear switches have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same amount of key travel from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that both switches will produce comparable typing and gaming experiences, as the feel of the keypress will be consistent between the two options. Therefore, with the same travel distance, one can expect similar responsiveness and tactile feedback when using either the Ice King or BCP switches.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 notable for its subdued audio profile. This gives it a dampened sound when pressed, making it less intrusive than many other switches, while still retaining a certain auditory presence. It strikes a balance that may appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without completely sacrificing the enjoyment of audible feedback. The Kailh BCP linear switch, however, is characterized by its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a more vibrant auditory sensation. The contrast between the subdued nature of the Ice King and the lively sound of the BCP caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose according to their desired typing ambiance.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear excels with its silky, frictionless motion that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is designed to minimize resistance, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The creamy sensation adds to a buttery smoothness, providing a luxurious experience with each keystroke. Its polished finish further ensures reduced friction, making it feel refined and delightful to type on. In contrast, the Kailh BCP’s feel is not explicitly defined, leaving its tactile experience largely unknown. However, based on the Ice King's detailed descriptions, it is clear that users seeking a buttery smooth consistency might find the Ice King to be an ideal choice.
In summary, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Kailh BCP linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Ice King stands out for its subdued sound and silky, frictionless feel, delivering a refined and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the BCP features a vibrant sound profile but lacks detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feedback. While there is a distinct gap in sound offerings, the Ice King's well-defined feel makes it an easy recommendation for those seeking a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal sound and feel preferences, ensuring that users can find the right switch to match their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a silky smooth, frictionless feel that offers a more subdued sound, the Ice King Linear with its 62-gram actuation force is an excellent choice for both typists and gamers seeking a cohesive and quiet experience. Its factory lubrication and polished finish further enhance the overall lush feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or environments where noise reduction is preferred. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and lively typing experience, the Kailh BCP might be the better option for you, as it delivers a creamy, elastic feel with a medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams and a signature poppy sound profile that adds character to your keystrokes. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a bit more auditory feedback in their typing rhythm. In essence, consider your typing style and the atmosphere in which you use your keyboard to decide between the smooth lushness of the Ice King Linear and the vibrant dynamics of the Kailh BCP.
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