Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX KD200 present two intriguing options, each with its unique attributes. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, made possible by its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a frictionless, creamy feel while typing. In contrast, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest switch in the HMX Film family, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a lively typing experience. While the Ice King Linear excels in providing a subdued and polished feel, the KD200 caters to those who revel in the sound and tactility of their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX KD200 switches are identical, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared construction means that users can expect a similarly rich auditory experience when typing on these switches. Nylon’s inherent properties allow it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during both key presses and releases. The sonic characteristics produced by these nylon housings contribute to a duller and rounder sound, making for a more muted typing experience that many users find pleasant and comfortable.
While both switches may appear quite similar based solely on their housing materials, the tactile feel and overall typing experience might still vary depending on other factors such as spring weight or internal design. However, the uniformity in nylon construction suggests that the fundamental auditory qualities will remain consistent across both products. The impact of the nylon is significant: during a key press, the bottom housing contributes largely to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the softer top housing influences the sound produced upon release. This shared design thus leads to a common outcome regarding sound characteristics, enhancing the typing experience for users of both switches.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX KD200 switches employ the same nylon housing materials, ensuring that users enjoy a similar auditory profile. This consistency in material leads to comparable tactile responses, allowing for a cohesive typing feel despite any differences that may arise from other construction elements. The integration of nylon in both top and bottom housings results in a desirable combination of sound harmonics and user experience, making each switch appealing for those who prioritize acoustics and smooth keystrokes in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch to the HMX KD200 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium resistance switch. In contrast, the KD200 exhibits a lighter feel, with an actuation force of only 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the KD200 more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where lower resistance is preferred, allowing for reduced fatigue. Conversely, the Ice King, with its heavier forces, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch that facilitates longer usage without strain, the KD200 would be the ideal choice, whereas the Ice King is better for those who prefer a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they offer the same amount of distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This similarity suggests that users while typing or gaming will experience comparable feedback and actuation depth with both switches. Therefore, whether using the Ice King Linear or the KD200, one can expect identical results in terms of key travel distance and overall feel during usage.
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 KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This allows for a more subtle auditory experience compared to many other switches, making it suitable for office environments or situations where you want to minimize noise while typing. It should be noted that the overall sound produced by the Ice King Linear can still vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used. In contrast, the HMX KD200 linear switch does not have a specified sound profile in the provided information, but it is highlighted as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family. This suggests that the KD200 may produce a more pronounced auditory response than the Ice King, which could make it more engaging for users who enjoy a louder sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear excels with descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. This means users can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience where keystrokes glide effortlessly without resistance. The combination of materials and generous factory lubrication contributes to a refined feel, making typing both enjoyable and efficient. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX KD200 linear switch is not detailed in the provided information, leaving that aspect unknown. However, based on the typographic characteristics of other linear switches, it can be inferred that the KD200 may offer a different tactile sensation than the Ice King.
Overall, if you’re looking for a mechanical switch that offers a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear is a great choice, backed by its subdued sound and silky feel. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that might have a louder and more pronounced auditory response, even though the specifics of the KD200's feel are not elaborated upon, you may enjoy the unique sound signature it reportedly offers. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding both sound and tactile sensations during typing, making each switch cater to different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX KD200 linear switch primarily hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you value a medium actuation force and desire a silky, smooth typing experience, the Ice King Linear is the ideal choice for you. Its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication translate to an exceptionally refined feel that minimizes friction, offering a polished, creamy transition as you type. Moreover, if you prefer a more subdued sound signature that won't draw too much attention, the Ice King Linear fits the bill perfectly. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter switch and enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing, the HMX KD200 would be the better pick. Despite being noted as the "clackiest" member of its family, the KD200 offers a unique auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience if you favor that kind of environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and preference for sound—choose the Ice King Linear for a dampened, smooth experience or the KD200 for a lighter, more audible interaction.
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