Durock Ice King Linear vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to introduce two notable linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', this switch promises a tactile delight for users. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature while still providing a silky and seamless typing experience. Known for its unique light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, this switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Each of these switches has its own unique characteristics and advantages, but 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their differing materials. The Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer plastic properties that enhance the sound with sharper and crisper tones. Despite these variances, both switches aim to provide users with an immersive typing experience through the distinct characteristics of their housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ice King Linear and the Lightning Silver V3 continue to showcase the impact of their respective materials on sound profiles. With nylon as the chosen material for the Ice King Linear's bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and rounder sound profile, attributed to the softer nature of nylon plastic. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, thanks to the stiffer properties of polycarbonate. This contrast in housing materials further accentuates the distinctive typing experiences offered by each switch.
When analyzing the overall impact of different housing materials on a switch, it becomes apparent that the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. While both the Ice King Linear and the Lightning Silver V3 showcase unique characteristics based on their chosen materials, users can expect a balance of qualities from both the top and bottom housing when using these switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing significantly impacts the sound when releasing a key, showcasing how the choice of housing material can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch with an actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King Linear at 62 grams and the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams. In terms of weight, the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches fall into the medium range for both actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for quick and precise key presses. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Ice King Linear being slightly longer than the Lightning Silver V3.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 offers a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a subtle and quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp and crisp sound that may be more noticeable in a typing session. Both switches surely offer distinct sound profiles that can cater to different preferences, with the Ice King Linear being more on the quiet side and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a more distinct and percussive sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Ice King Linear and the Lightning Silver V3 are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ice King Linear also boasts features like being frictionless, creamy, and polished, all contributing to an effortless and gliding sensation while typing. Similarly, the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes its silky feel, ensuring a smooth and seamless typing experience. Essentially, both switches provide a luxurious typing feel that enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear leans towards a quieter and more subdued sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. In the realm of feel, both switches share a silky smooth typing experience, with the Ice King Linear boasting additional qualities like being frictionless, creamy, and polished. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will largely depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you value a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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