Durock Ice King Linear vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Medium Tactile are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, making it perfect for those who prefer a frictionless and subdued feel while typing. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature that adds to the typing experience. If you're looking for an accented and stepped tactile switch, the Medium Tactile might be the right choice for you. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Medium Tactile, it is clear that they both emphasize different sound profiles due to the use of different plastics. The Ice King Linear's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound quality can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile in their switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Ice King Linear may not have.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Ice King Linear and the Medium Tactile utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. This means that both switches will likely have a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced during key presses. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Medium Tactile ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile. The Ice King Linear offers a duller and rounder sound due to its nylon housing, while the Medium Tactile provides a clearer and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate housing. Both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, contributing to a similar typing experience in terms of sound production. Ultimately, users should consider their preferred sound profile and aesthetic preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams while the Ice King Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Ice King Linear switch would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Medium Tactile switch with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the difference in bottom out force allows users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Linear offers a slightly quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Regardless of the difference in travel distances, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory feedback experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is best described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. These qualities make typing on the Ice King Linear switch feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a tactile experience that is accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a balanced yet pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. Typing on the Medium Tactile switch offers a gentle and approachable feel that is sure to please a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Ice King Linear switch and the Medium Tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Linear switch provides a subdued sound and a silky smooth typing experience, while the Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound and a balanced tactile feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve the specific typing experience you desire. Both switches offer high-quality construction and factory lube to enhance their performance, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of smoothness and responsiveness regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Medium Tactile switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a smooth and effortless feel with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a balanced tactile feedback with a pronounced feel, the Medium Tactile may be more suitable for you. The Ice King Linear offers a medium bottom out force while the Medium Tactile has a slightly heavier bottom out force, so take into account your preferred typing pressure as well. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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