Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Mars both offer distinctive yet appealing characteristics for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, providing a subdued, frictionless feel that many typists prefer for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars Switch boasts an innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, which enhances durability and adds a touch of creativity to the typing experience. While both switches embody the linear design philosophy, the Ice King focuses on a creamy, polished feel, whereas the Mars integrates a more innovative build that may appeal to users looking for performance and longevity. 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
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Mars switches share a commonality in the material used for their top housing, both utilizing nylon, a well-regarded classic switch housing material. This choice of nylon contributes to a sound profile that is notably deeper and fuller, a characteristic that typists and gamers often seek for a more pleasing acoustic experience. The inherent softness of nylon plays a critical role here; it absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory signature when the keys are pressed and released. Thus, users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches' top housings, allowing for a potentially uniform tactile feedback during typing.
However, the bottoms of the switches reveal a divergence in materials that could affect the overall performance. The Ice King Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which, like the top, brings a softer profile that complements the sound and feel experienced with the keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing. POM (polyoxymethylene) is recognized for its durability and unique acoustical properties, contributing to the switch's sound profile being “pleasant” and “muted,” albeit still on the deeper side. This difference can lead to a distinguishable variation in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys, with the Gateron Mars potentially offering a sharper response due to the characteristics inherent to POM.
In summary, while both the Ice King Linear and Gateron Mars provide a deep and full sound profile from their nylon top housings, the variance in bottom housing materials introduces a nuanced difference in sound and feel. Users can anticipate a consistent acoustic experience from the tops of both switches, but the unique properties of the POM housing in the Mars could create a distinct bottom-out sensation that the Ice King may not replicate. Ultimately, this combination of materials means that while certain aspects of keypress feedback may feel familiar, each switch could still possess its distinct personality due to the choice of bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch to the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Ice King has a higher actuation force of 52 grams, while the Mars switch is lighter at 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing and gaming, which can lead to less fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the Ice King features a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel when fully pressed, which some users may find satisfactory for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is not available, meaning that we cannot compare its bottoming out characteristics directly. Overall, those who value a lighter touch may prefer the Gateron Mars switch, while those who appreciate a heavier feel might lean towards the Durock Ice King.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ice King the shorter option and the Mars the longer one. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the Ice King could be preferred due to its shorter travel distance, which may provide quicker actuation during fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the slightly longer travel distance of the Mars switch may offer a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, while the differences are minimal, the choice between these two switches can significantly affect the typing experience based on individual preferences.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued tone, delivering a dampened sound upon activation. This makes it less intrusive compared to many other mechanical switches, providing a more subtle auditory experience that can be ideal for quiet environments or office settings. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch remain unknown, which means they could be either louder or quieter than the Ice King, depending on their design and build materials. It is important to remember that the sound profile can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear excels with descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. Users can expect an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by minimal resistance and a pleasant, buttery sensation with each keystroke. This makes the Ice King particularly appealing to those who prioritize a luxurious typing experience. The feel of the Gateron Mars switch is currently unknown, so it’s challenging to make a direct comparison. If the Mars switch also offers smoothness, it may provide a similarly enjoyable experience, but without specific descriptors, the exact nature of that experience remains ambiguous.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out for its subdued sound profile and silky, frictionless feel, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a smooth and quieter typing experience. The Gateron Mars switch, while offering innovative design elements, still leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding its sound and feel. If you're drawn to the Ice King for its silky, polished typing sensation, you may find the Mars switch appealing as well, but without the specifics of its performance details, it is hard to gauge how closely they may align. Ultimately, your best option may be to try both switches to determine which one aligns best with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Mars Linear switches offer distinct advantages, your choice will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and typing style. If you seek a medium bottom-out force with a notably silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, the Ice King Linear is your best bet. Its subdued sound profile makes it suitable for quieter environments, allowing you to immerse yourself in your work or gaming without distracting others. However, if you’re intrigued by innovative designs and materials, the Gateron Mars might be worth considering, especially if you appreciate the unique combination of Nylon and POM for a different touch and feel. While details on its sound and ease of typing are less defined, it could appeal to those who enjoy experimenting with new switch types. Ultimately, consider how much you value smoothness versus innovation, and choose the switch that best complements your typing experience and personal style.
Mentioned in this article
