Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Magnetic Jade stand out as two compelling options, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The Ice King Linear, designed for a smooth and frictionless experience, is crafted from full nylon and generously factory-lubed to provide a silky, creamy feel that many users adore for its subdued typing acoustics. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilizes Hall Effect technology to deliver a bright, clacky sound that not only enhances the auditory experience but also amplifies the tactile feedback, making it a superior choice for those seeking a more dynamic typing sensation. While both switches aim to elevate your typing experience, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and subtlety over pronounced sound and feedback. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a notable distinction lies in the type of plastic used for the top housing. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This property is due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which contributes to a sound that is dull and rounded. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, a material that is stiffer and typically creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This creates a distinct contrast in auditory experience, as the Ice King provides a warmer tone while the Magnetic Jade offers clearer, more resonant acoustics. If a similar acoustic result is desired with the Ice King, one might consider incorporating sound-dampening materials to mitigate the high-pitched resonance typical of polycarbonate switches.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both the Ice King Linear and Magnetic Jade are made of nylon, which means they share common characteristics in terms of sound and feel. Both switches will exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, attributed to the softer nature of the nylon material. This means that while they differ in sound signature due to their contrasting top materials, the bottom-out experience will be significantly similar. The nylon's ability to absorb sound ensures that both switches will not produce jarring noise levels when pressed down, creating a more consistent experience across both models in that aspect.
Ultimately, the differing materials in the top housing lead to diverse auditory experiences when typing on the Ice King Linear and Magnetic Jade, reflecting their unique sound profiles. The Ice King's nylon top contributes to a duller sound, enhancing the muted feedback during use, while the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top promotes brightness and clarity, especially advantageous for RGB lighting visibility. However, since both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the tactile and auditory feedback experienced during the actuation and bottoming out will remain consistent, making them comparable in their overall typing feel despite the differences in sound production at the release.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch present notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, which can cater to different user preferences. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that users who favor a lighter switch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, may find the Magnetic Jade more appealing, while those seeking a more substantial tactile experience might prefer the Ice King due to its heavier forces. Overall, the differences in weight directly influence the typing experience, catering to varied ergonomic preferences among users.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both exhibit a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making their travel distances equal. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent keypress feel and responsiveness from both switches, resulting in a comparable typing experience. Since both switches move the same distance from the top to the bottom, those seeking a linear switch will find that either option provides nearly identical tactile feedback and travel dynamics.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued sound profile that dampens keystrokes, making it quieter and lending itself well to environments where noise might be a concern. This characteristic is achieved through careful engineering and is ideal for users who prefer a more subtle auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch creates a bright and clacky sound, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback. This distinct aural quality adds a layer of satisfaction for users who find enjoyment in the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. Thus, while the Ice King offers a more muted experience, the Magnetic Jade ensures that every keystroke is heard clearly.
When considering feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is exceptional, boasting descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These terms indicate an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sensation of resistance, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes. It provides a luxurious tactile experience that is akin to gliding over the keys. On the other hand, the specific feel attributes of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch remain unknown, but given its reputation for providing a superior typing experience, one can presume that it offers a satisfying tactile feedback, possibly combining smoothness with a unique response typical of hall effect switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ice King’s subdued auditory presence pairs with its silky-smooth typing sensation, while the Magnetic Jade stands out for its bright sound and likely engaging tactile feedback. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean towards a quieter, more effortless typing experience or a lively auditory response—both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit through different sensory pathways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your priorities regarding typing feel, sound profile, and application preferences. If you're seeking a typing experience that prioritizes smoothness and quietness, the Ice King Linear, with its silky, frictionless, and creamy characteristics, is ideal. Its subdued sound makes it suitable for environments where noise is a consideration, making it excellent for office settings or when you're in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter bottom-out force and desire a brighter, clackier auditory feedback, the Magnetic Jade switch would be more appropriate. This switch is particularly well-suited for gaming or dynamic typing scenarios, especially if you're using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, as it enhances not just your typing experience but also adds an interesting acoustic quality. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences, the key force you find comfortable, and the environment in which you'll be typing to make an informed decision between these two exceptional switches.
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