Durock Ice King Linear vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch, we can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a great choice for those seeking a frictionless and subdued typing feel. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a gentle tactility that is a refreshing change from sharper tactile switches, offering an angelic feel with a unique jelly-like sound signature. While the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky,' 'Frictionless,' 'Subdued,' 'Creamy,' and 'Polished,' the Light Tactile is described as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished.' Each switch has its own set of qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
52g
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
The Durock Ice King Linear and Durock Light Tactile both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, making typing on these switches a quieter and more tactile experience. However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Ice King Linear uses nylon while the Light Tactile uses polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, offering a more clear and resonant typing experience. The Ice King Linear, on the other hand, maintains a more muted sound with its nylon top housing.
While both the Ice King Linear and Light Tactile switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, the key difference lies in their top housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile's top housing creates a distinct sound profile that is sharper and more resonant compared to the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear. This difference in top housing material significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences in typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, crisper typing experience, the choice between the Ice King Linear and Light Tactile ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile.
In terms of construction, the bottom housing usually has a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the nylon bottom housing shared by both the Ice King Linear and Light Tactile will contribute to a similar typing feel in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. However, the difference in top housing material between the two switches will result in distinct sound profiles when typing on each switch. The Ice King Linear with its nylon top housing will provide a softer and more muted typing experience, while the Light Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing will offer a sharper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual sound and typing preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 52 grams, providing a light typing experience for users who prefer a softer touch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Light Tactile, which necessitates 67 grams for bottoming out. This means that while both switches offer a similar initial typing feel, the Light Tactile provides a bit more resistance for users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Light Tactile switch will provide a slightly deeper keystroke than the Ice King Linear switch. In terms of preference, those who prefer faster response times may opt for the Ice King Linear switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more traditional, deeper keystroke may lean towards the Light Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes. Both switches can be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, but overall, the Ice King Linear is quieter in comparison to the Light Tactile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch minimizes resistance and friction, offering a fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing experience, with the Ice King Linear focusing on a silky sensation and the Light Tactile providing a safe middle-ground zone for most users.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer different sound and feel experiences, they both prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The Ice King Linear is known for its subdued sound and silky feel, while the Light Tactile offers a neutral sound and more gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide similar satisfying results with their premium construction and factory lubrication.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch or the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle tactility and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Light Tactile switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help guide your decision based on the type of typing experience you are seeking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that best fits your preferences.
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