Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Macchiato both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. This switch is designed to provide a frictionless and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a subdued and creamy sensation while typing. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, created by YG Studio, also aims to deliver a smooth typing experience, but it distinguishes itself with a bright sound profile that adds an auditory dimension to each keystroke. While both switches excel in providing a comfortable linear experience, the choice largely depends on whether you prefer the smoother, more understated action of the Ice King Linear or the lively feedback of the HMX Macchiato. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Macchiato, it becomes immediately clear that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. As a classic choice in mechanical switch design, nylon is revered for its acoustic properties. Specifically, both the Ice King Linear and Macchiato switches produce a fuller and deeper sound profile due to the softer plastic composition of nylon. This similar use of material means that users can expect comparable auditory experiences, characterized by a duller and rounder sound that is generally more pleasant during typing sessions.
The impact of the nylon housing on the typing experience is equally significant in both switches. With both the Ice King Linear and HMX Macchiato employing nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile is shaped by the unique contributions of each housing. The bottom housing is more influential when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound on key release. Despite the identical choice in materials, the potential differences in switch design or spring tension could lead to distinct tactile feedback, but the fundamentals of sound absorption and tonal impact remain constant across both options.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Macchiato switches demonstrate a strong similarity in their choice of housing material, utilizing nylon for both top and bottom components. This shared material provides a cohesive typing experience, characterized by a rich sound profile and softer feel. As a result, users can anticipate a comparable auditory sensation when typing on either switch, with the nylon's inherent properties ensuring that both deliver a satisfying and resonant performance during use, albeit with possible nuances arising from individual switch design elements.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, positioning it in the medium range. In contrast, the Macchiato offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear requires a heavier push to register keystrokes and bottom out compared to the Macchiato, which makes it more suitable for users who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback. Conversely, the Macchiato, with its lighter forces, may appeal more to those looking for comfort during long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. Overall, users seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Ice King, while those desiring a lighter touch would gravitate toward the Macchiato.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Macchiato Linear switch, there is a noticeable difference; the Ice King features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Macchiato has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ice King the shorter option, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker response times due to its more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Macchiato, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced and hearty depth, which might be preferred by users who appreciate a less abrupt feel when pressing down on keys. Therefore, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to individual preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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, offering a dampened auditory experience that is not entirely silent but also less pronounced than most traditional switches. This quality results in a typing experience that is subtle and refined, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment or who work in shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switch is designed with a bright sound profile, suggesting that it produces clearer and more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke, contributing to a livelier typing experience. However, the specifics of how this sound manifests in practice are not provided, so further experimentation with keyboards and keycaps would be necessary to truly understand its acoustic qualities.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Ice King Linear excels with descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These terms collectively indicate an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, marked by minimal resistance and a buttery sensation under the fingers. This elevates the overall user experience, making typing a seamless pleasure. The Macchiato switch, however, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its tactile feel, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. It is crucial to note that feel is highly subjective and can be influenced significantly by individual preferences, meaning users may find similar satisfaction in the Ice King’s smoothness and the Macchiato’s design — if it aligns with their personal tastes.
In summary, both the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Macchiato linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King provides a subdued sound profile and a remarkably smooth and frictionless feel, making it ideal for those seeking a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Macchiato introduces a brighter sound that could appeal to users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches aim for a silky smooth typing experience, the choice will depend on whether users prioritize sound dampening or a more vibrant auditory feel, as well as their overall typing preferences. Exploring each option will help newcomers identify which switch aligns best with their personal style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more resistant feel with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Ice King may be your go-to option, especially if you appreciate a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience that minimizes resistance and offers a sense of refinement. This switch is particularly suited for those who want a subdued sound profile, ideal for quiet office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Macchiato is a fantastic choice, especially for users who value a bright sound profile. While the Macchiato excels in smoothness, it does not have the same extensive descriptors for feel, suggesting it is tailored more towards those who prioritize a fast and light typing experience without the additional weight. Thus, your decision may boil down to whether you favor a heavier, more evolving tactile experience with the Ice King or the lighter, speedier feel of the Macchiato, making either switch well-suited to different types of users.
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