Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lime offer unique experiences catered to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a frictionless and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches stand out for their lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silenced operation, making them ideal for tactile enthusiasts looking for a feathery light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lime switches feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, which are known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softness and sound absorption properties. This means that typing on both switches will result in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Despite both switches sharing the same housing material, the difference in their design and structure may impact the overall typing experience. The distribution of the housing material in the top and bottom of the switch can affect the sound when pressing down on a key versus when releasing it. The qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. These nuances may result in subtle variations in sound and feel between the Ice King Linear and the Lime switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lime switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. While both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing materials such as a deeper sound profile, the specific design elements of each switch can provide unique characteristics in terms of sound on key press and release. Whether you prefer a switch with a more pronounced bottom-out sound or one that emphasizes the sound when lifting off a key, both the Ice King Linear and the Lime switches deliver a premium typing experience with their nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Lime. The Ice King requires 52 grams of force to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out, providing a medium typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime only needs 35 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Lime switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Ice King offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier force requirements. Both switches can provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different key feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Ice King Linear, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press may prefer the Outemu Lime. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch provides a more neutral and muted sound profile, making it suitable for various situations. Both switches aim to minimize noise, with the Ice King being more subtle in its sound signature compared to the Lime switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, with a gentle resistance and light actuation force that reduces finger strain. Both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Linear and Outemu Lime switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, they both prioritize smoothness and comfort in typing. Whether you prefer a more subdued sound with a silky feel or a neutral sound with a feathery touch, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. Just keep in mind that with proper care and configuration, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, opt for the Ice King Linear. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a frictionless, creamy, or polished feel when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a touch of tactility and a quieter typing experience, the Lime switch with its light bottom out force may be more suitable. Additionally, the muted sound profile of the Lime switch makes it ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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