Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a smooth and frictionless typing experience, you may be drawn to the Durock Ice King Linear switch. Its full nylon construction and generous factory lube offer a silky feel that is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT may be the better choice for you. The enticing lilac hue of the LT switches, combined with their seamless glide with every keystroke, categorizes them as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew LT both use unique housing materials to create a distinct typing experience. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary plastic blend for both top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite their different materials, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
One key difference between the Ice King Linear and the Gazzew LT lies in their housing materials. While the Ice King Linear uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, the Gazzew LT incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend for both components. The nylon in the Ice King Linear provides a softer feel and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend used in the LT offers a similar softness and sound depth, showcasing the unique characteristics of "boba plastic." Ultimately, both housing materials contribute to a tactile typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew LT ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. Both switches feature top-notch housing materials that deliver a rich and deep sound profile during typing. While the Ice King Linear's nylon housing provides a classic feel with its sound absorption properties, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend offers a unique tactile experience with its softness. Whether you prefer the traditional feel of nylon or the innovative qualities of the Gazzew blend, both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience with premium housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch provide interesting points of comparison. The Ice King has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the LT's unknown actuation force, making the Ice King easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, the Ice King has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the LT's 65 grams, making the LT slightly heavier to press all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ice King may be the better option, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the LT. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy force range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches are considered to have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time provided by the shorter travel distance of the Gazzew LT, while those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 provides a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. Depending on your board and keycaps, the Ice King Linear may offer a quieter typing experience while the LT switch delivers a more prominent and resonant sound with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube application. These features contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimal resistance, and effortless key presses and releases. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gazzew LT switch is currently unknown. However, considering its reputation for providing a seamless glide with every keystroke, it may offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience akin to the Ice King Linear switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience with its subdued sound profile and silky feel attributed to its nylon construction and factory lube. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch stands out for its deep, resonant, and bassy sound profile, possibly offering a satisfying auditory experience with each key press along with a seamless glide. If you are looking for a switch that prioritizes quietness and smoothness, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a more prominent and rich sound profile, the Gazzew LT could offer a unique auditory experience while potentially delivering a comfortable typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew LT linear switches, consider the feel and sound you prefer in a switch. If you want a silky smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a deep and rich thocky sound, along with a seamless glide when typing, the Gazzew LT linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for both typing feel and sound.
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