Durock Ice King Linear vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Koala are two popular options to consider. The Ice King Linear offers a smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, making it ideal for those who prefer a silky and frictionless feel while typing. On the other hand, the Koala provides a balance of tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that doesn't overpower the keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of resistance without being too stiff. Both switches have unique characteristics - from the Ice King's creamy and polished feel to the Koala's low-pitched and accented tactile feedback. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Koala, we can see a stark difference in the sound profiles they produce. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switch.
Despite the differing top housing materials, both the Ice King Linear and the Koala share nylon bottom housings. This means that both switches elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. While the top housing may influence the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of the top housing material chosen.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Koala ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Whether you prefer the duller and rounder sound of nylon in the Ice King Linear or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Koala, both switches offer a unique typing experience. The different housing materials in the top housing of each switch contribute to distinct sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing feel. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their desired sound profile and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Koala switch is heavier at 67 grams, while the Ice King Linear is 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience for different preferences. The lighter actuation force of the Ice King Linear may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Koala switch could be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch. The Ice King Linear offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Koala provides a bit more depth and may feel more satisfying to users who prefer a longer travel distance. Both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and key feel, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 offers a subdued sound profile, creating a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud, but the Ice King Linear leans towards a quieter operation compared to the Koala.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors point towards an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press, minimizing resistance and friction for a fluid typing feel. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch also offers a polished typing experience, along with being accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that the Koala provides a balanced amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, offering a prominent tactile bump with a moderate amount of force required to actuate the keys.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both excel in providing a high-quality typing experience with their respective sound and feel characteristics. While the Ice King Linear offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Koala strikes a balance between tactility and typing comfort. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smoother, subdued typing experience or a more tactile and pronounced keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Koala switches, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing feel with a medium bottom out force, go with the Ice King Linear. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a bit more tactile feedback and a pronounced bump without being too heavy, opt for the Koala. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. Choose the Ice King Linear for a smoother typing experience or the Koala for a more tactile feel. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from Durock.
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