Durock Ice King Linear vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw mechanical keyboard switches, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a switch that is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switches stand out for their unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch categorized as 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle'. While the Ice King Linear comes pre-lubricated for a smooth feel, the Keygeek Raw arrives unlubricated with a slightly textured feel out of the box, making them ideal for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
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 of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw both feature nylon as a primary component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. However, the Keygeek Raw takes it a step further by incorporating a Nylon & UPE blend for the top housing and a UMPE & Si blend for the bottom housing. This exclusive blend in the Keygeek Raw switches may offer a unique typing experience compared to the Ice King Linear.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon in their housing materials, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw differ in their blend compositions for the top and bottom housings. The Keygeek Raw's use of a Nylon & UPE blend for the top housing and a UMPE & Si blend for the bottom housing could potentially result in a more nuanced sound profile and typing feel. In contrast, the Ice King Linear's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing may provide a more uniform typing experience.
While both switches share the benefit of nylon as a switch housing material, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offer unique blends for their top and bottom housings. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend composition could offer a more specialized sound and feel compared to the Ice King Linear's consistent nylon housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch both fall into the medium range. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams. The Ice King Linear is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Keygeek Raw, but both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Keygeek Raw may be the more suitable option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch, we can see that the Ice King Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market today. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Keygeek Raw with its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile, which produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch is described as having a neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, providing exceptionally smooth and effortless typing with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switch is noted for its textured, mild, and subtle feel, offering a more gentle typing experience without being overly pronounced or resonant. Overall, while the sound and feel qualities of these switches differ in terms of characteristics such as smoothness, texture, and sound profile, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences and needs. So, if you're looking for either a more subdued, silky smooth typing experience with the Durock Ice King Linear or a slightly textured, creamy feel with the Keygeek Raw, you can expect similar quality results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smoother, frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a creamy, textured feel with a neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how these characteristics align with your typing style and preferences for both feel and sound.
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