Durock Ice King Linear vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out in the linear category are the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keylin switches. The Durock Ice King boasts a reputation for delivering a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a frictionless and polished feel. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin leverages new molds to provide a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, appealing to those who value both auditory feedback and a satisfying keystroke. While both switches offer a streamlined typing experience, they each have unique attributes that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keylin utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which leads to notable similarities in their performance characteristics. Nylon is renowned for its capacity to deliver a fuller sound profile during typing due to its softer texture compared to harder plastics. This distinctive property helps absorb sound, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience which is appreciated by users seeking a quieter typing environment. The uniform use of nylon in both models suggests they will produce comparable sound profiles, enhancing their appeal to users who prioritize acoustics in their keyboard experience.
While the housing materials for both the Ice King Linear and Keylin are identical, the interaction between the top and bottom housings still holds significance in their overall typing performance. The Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, allowing users to experience a unique feel when pressing the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the top housing, also crafted from nylon, influences the release sound, creating a nuanced typing experience. This similar design choice means that while both switches deliver a rich and deep sound signature, the overall experience will vary slightly due to the housing's structural dynamics.
However, while the materials are the same, the experience of owning and using each switch may differ based on additional design elements or internal switch mechanics that are not detailed in the material descriptions. Users might find subtle differences in the feel due to variations in switch actuation point or design dimensions, ensuring that, despite the identical nylon housing, the two switches maintain their distinct personalities. Overall, the shared nylon component in both switches provides a solid foundation for sound quality, but individual experiences can diverge based on other engineering choices in each switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Keylin switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who favor easier keystrokes and longer typing sessions. Thus, users seeking a lighter feel would gravitate toward the Keylin, while those preferring a stronger push would likely choose the Ice King. Overall, the Ice King is the heavier option, while the Keylin stands out for its lighter actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we find that the Ice King has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keylin features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ice King offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker key actuations. Conversely, the Keylin's 3.6 mm travel distance might appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, providing a fuller sensation when typing or gaming. Although both switches have travel distances that are relatively close, those who prioritize responsiveness would likely prefer the Ice King, whereas those who favor a deeper keystroke might lean towards the Keylin.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a notably subdued character, producing a dampened sound with each press that offers a more subtle auditory experience compared to many other switches. This makes it ideal for environments where quieter operation is desirable, yet it maintains a degree of acoustic feedback that users still appreciate. The Keygeek Keylin's sound profile is currently unknown, so we can’t make a direct comparison. However, since the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard housing, keycaps, and build, both switches may yield varied acoustic results depending on their configurations.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch excels with descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These attributes combine to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and friction while typing. Users will enjoy a buttery sensation that makes each keystroke feel effortless, as if their fingers glide seamlessly across the keys. The specifics of the Keylin's feel are not provided, so we can't directly compare, but with the Ice King's well-established characteristics, one can expect a delightful tactile experience from the Keylin as well, particularly if it is engineered to deliver a premium typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch is celebrated for its subdued sound and an impressively smooth feel, the Keygeek Keylin's sound and feel attributes remain unspecified. The Ice King's qualities suggest a superior tactile experience, which is a significant consideration for many keyboard enthusiasts. Even though both switches may cater to those seeking a premium typing experience, more information on the Keylin switch would allow for a more thorough comparison, especially concerning its sound profile and tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches ultimately hinges on what kind of typing experience you prioritize. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a silky, frictionless feel with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear is the way to go. It offers a luxurious typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where smooth key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you like a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Keylin linear switch might be more appealing. It provides a premium typing experience with rich acoustics and smoothness, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more dynamic and responsive key feel. In essence, choose the Durock Ice King for its smooth, creamy action and heavier resistance if you prefer stability and control, and opt for the Keygeek Keylin for a quick, airy feel that enhances speed and agility. Your individual preferences in sound, feel, and typing dynamics are key to making the right decision.
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