Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lucky both offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among users. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, which delivers a frictionless, subdued, and creamy feel with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches feature softer and glittery nylon housings that provide a lightweight, neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying. While the Ice King may appeal to those seeking a refined and polished touch, the HMX Lucky could attract users looking for a more casual and enjoyable feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lucky switches feature housing made entirely of nylon, a classic material widely used in mechanical switches. The nylon top and bottom housings are identical across both models, allowing for a consistent typing experience marked by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the soft properties of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches are designed to produce a rounder sound, contributing to a quieter typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Consequently, users can expect similar acoustic output and tactile feedback when transitioning from one switch to the other, ensuring a seamless integration into their keyboard setups.
Diving deeper into the impact of nylon on sound characteristics, both switches demonstrate how the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound profile. With nylon as the common material, the Ice King Linear and Lucky switches create notable sound dampening effects, generating a duller auditory signature upon activation and deactivation. While the Ice King might be branded differently, its acoustic qualities can be anticipated to closely mirror those of the Lucky. The consistency in material choice means that any differences in typing feel or sound may be negligible, resulting in a barely perceptible variance in user experience.
However, even with both switches utilizing identical housing materials, the design and construction of each switch can subtly influence performance. If, theoretically, one were to possess a different internal structure—be it variations in spring tension or different stem designs—the impact of the nylon housings would still harmonize to create a pleasing auditory experience. Ultimately, while the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Lucky share common nylon housings that guarantee similar sound characteristics, their unique playing attributes lend a different feel and response to each switch, inviting enthusiasts to enjoy the nuances within a fundamentally similar platform.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ice King requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams alongside a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium weight switch suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to users seeking a more effortless typing feel, particularly beneficial for extended use either at work or during long gaming sessions. Consequently, the Ice King is deemed heavier compared to the Lucky, making it less desirable for those who prioritize lightness in their switches. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users' preferences will heavily influence their choice between these two options.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm makes the Ice King the shorter option, appealing to those who prioritize quick key presses for faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Lucky switch, with its longer travel distance, might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing a bit more depth and feedback with each key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized as subdued, producing a dampened sound that is neither completely silent nor overly loud. This makes it an appealing choice for individuals who prefer a more subtle auditory experience, allowing for focused typing without disturbing others. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have an available sound description, which leaves us without a direct comparison in this area. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by several factors, including the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup, so users may still achieve a pleasant sound signature with either option depending on their configuration.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear truly shines with its combination of silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished qualities. This variety promises an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, where users can enjoy fluid key travel that minimizes resistance at every keystroke. In contrast, there is no available information about the feel of the HMX Lucky linear switch, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. While the Lucky switches are described as offering a neutral and satisfying typing experience, specifics such as smoothness, friction, or any other tactile sensations remain unknown.
In summary, both the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Lucky linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King offers a subdued sound and an exceptionally smooth feel due to its refined construction and generous factory lubrication. Meanwhile, the Lucky switch lacks a detailed sound or feel description, leaving its tactile qualities somewhat of a mystery. Ultimately, if you favor a quieter typing experience with silky smooth activation, the Ice King Linear may be your best bet, while the Lucky could appeal to those seeking a lightweight and satisfying experience, albeit with less certainty regarding tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more substantial key feel and are looking for a switch that provides a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear is your best choice. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a medium actuation force and a refined, polished finish, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming where precision matters. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with less resistance when you type, the HMX Lucky switch is a fantastic option. With its lighter bottom-out force, it offers a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience, perfect for users who prioritize speed and efficiency over heft. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you want a smooth and controlled experience with the Ice King or a light and effortless feel with the Lucky. Selecting the right switch will enhance your overall typing experience; consider your specific needs and how each switch aligns with them to make the best decision.
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