Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Lunar Probe mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering a smooth typing experience. The Ice King Linear stands out for its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, providing a silky, frictionless, and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe features Gateron's dual rail mechanism for stable keypresses and a pre-lubed linear sensation, offering consistency and a subtle sound signature. If you prefer a switch with a more subdued and creamy feel, the Ice King Linear may be the way to go. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Lunar Probe, the main difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing delivers a more clear and resonant sound that is especially ideal for showcasing RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both the Ice King Linear and the Lunar Probe have nylon bottom housings, resulting in similar qualities for the switches when it comes to sound profile and feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, if you are specifically looking for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile between the top and bottom housing, both switches would provide similar results due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
In terms of functionality, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Lunar Probe may come down to personal preferences on sound profile and aesthetics. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing offers a softer and more subdued sound, while the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the Lunar Probe's clear polycarbonate top housing may be more visually appealing to those interested in RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences for typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Gateron Lunar Probe switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Ice King switch slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ice King requires 62 grams of force while the Lunar Probe only needs 50 grams, indicating that the Ice King is also heavier in this aspect. This means that the Ice King will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Lunar Probe will offer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick responsiveness. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Ice King Linear for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Lunar Probe with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, and both switches would provide a similar typing experience 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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished properties, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The keys glide effortlessly under the fingers, providing a luxurious typing sensation. In contrast, the feel of the Lunar Probe switch is unspecified. Both switches appear to focus on providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with their pre-lubed mechanisms.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches aim to provide users with a smooth and consistent typing experience. While the Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound profile and a variety of smooth feel descriptors, the sound and feel qualities of the Lunar Probe switch remain undisclosed. Overall, if the goal is to achieve a smooth and refined typing experience, both switches are likely to yield similar results based on their specifications.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with generous factory lube, then the Ice King Linear may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and crave stable and consistent keypresses with an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, then the Lunar Probe could be the better option. Consider your typing preferences, desired sound, and preferred feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on your individual preferences.
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