Durock Ice King Linear vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options worth exploring are the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Mahjong switches. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a typing experience that feels frictionless and subdued—ideal for those who prefer a creamy and polished touch. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white aesthetics, delivering a bouncy and lively sound signature that adds a touch of fun to every keystroke, while still providing a neutral and polished feel. While both switches fall under the linear category—eliminating tactile feedback for a more fluid keystroke—the Ice King is perfect for users seeking a serene typing experience, whereas the Mahjong’s playful responsiveness can appeal to gamers and typists looking for a bit more character. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Mahjong, notable distinctions emerge in their top housings. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is praised for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This absorption capability lends itself to a rounder and duller sound that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Mahjong features POK material for its top housing, which, while also effective, offers a different auditory experience. POK is known for its smoothness and clackiness due to its low friction coefficient, although it might produce a brighter and slightly more resonant sound than the Ice King’s nylon. Thus, while both materials aim for quality audio feedback, they approach it differently—nylon emphasizes depth, while POK enhances smoothness and brightness.
The bottom housings of both switches share both a material and an expected acoustic profile. Both the Ice King Linear and the Mahjong utilize nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to a consistent experience in terms of sound absorption. As with the top housings, this nylon composition helps to create a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out, resulting in a muted thud that dampens noise. This shared use of nylon means that, regardless of the differences in the top materials, both switches will exhibit similar auditory characteristics when pressed down. Therefore, users can expect a comparable bottom-out feel and sound from both switches, maintaining that signature smoothness and muffled auditory feedback.
However, when it comes to the overall performance of the switches, the differing properties of the top housings play a crucial role. The Ice King Linear's nylon top and Mahjong's POK top will affect how the switches feel and sound during release. The nylon softness likely ensures a smooth escape with a rounded sound, while the POK may yield a snappier release featuring a more prominent sound profile. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver similar results due to their identical bottom housings, the variances between the top materials create unique user experiences, allowing typists to select a switch that resonates with their personal preferences for sound and feel during both pressing and releasing actions.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch present an interesting contrast in their actuation forces, with the Ice King requiring a force of 52 grams compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Mahjong. This means that the Ice King has a more substantial feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier push while typing or gaming, as it provides a more tactile experience. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Mahjong makes it a better choice for users who favor a softer touch, which can help prevent fatigue during long typing sessions. However, it is important to note that while the Ice King has a clearly defined bottom-out force of 62 grams, the bottom-out force for the Mahjong is unknown. This lack of information regarding the Mahjong's bottom-out could affect the overall typing experience depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, for users looking for a lighter switch, the Dareu Mahjong is the preferable option, while those who appreciate a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Durock Ice King Linear switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This distinction indicates that the Durock Ice King offers a deeper keystroke, which might appeal to users who favor a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mahjong switch may provide a faster response time, making it more suitable for gamers who value quick actions and rapid key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a more substantial tactile feedback, the Durock Ice King would be the better choice. However, if speed and agility are your priorities, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch would be advantageous.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, a marked difference emerges. The Ice King Linear has a more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound that is less intrusive, making it suitable for quieter environments. This can be especially appealing in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions. In contrast, the Mahjong switch offers a more neutral sound signature, which sits comfortably in a moderate range. This balance makes it versatile for both novice and experienced typists, as it provides a sound that is neither a distraction nor entirely silent, adaptable for various typing environments.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear sets a high standard with its silky and frictionless typing experience. Users can expect buttery smooth key presses that make the act of typing seem effortless. The factory lubrication contributes to this creamy sensation, allowing fingers to glide over the keys with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a bouncy feedback that delivers a lively, spring-like experience, making each keystroke feel engaging and dynamic. While the Mahjong switch can be described as mild and polished, offering a smooth finish, it lacks the ultra-smooth and frictionless qualities that characterize the Ice King Linear.
In summary, both switches offer unique tactile and auditory experiences that cater to different typist preferences. The Durock Ice King Linear excels in providing a silky and subdued typing experience ideal for quieter settings, whereas the Dareu Mahjong switch delivers a neutral sound with a bouncy, lively feel that can energize your typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter interaction or a more lively, engaged typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Mahjong Linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a silky smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear will likely suit you well. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams strikes an excellent balance, making it ideal for those who prefer a smooth yet controlled keystroke without being overly heavy. On the other hand, if you seek a livelier typing experience with a bounce and a moderate sound profile, then the Mahjong switches are an appealing option. Their unique bouncy feel can enhance your typing dynamics, offering that elastic feedback that many find enjoyable. Additionally, the Mahjong's neutral qualities make it versatile for various settings, whether you’re at home or in a professional environment. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch resonate most with your typing style and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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