Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Melodic offer unique typing experiences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth feel and frictionless typing, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a subdued and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic brings a new twist to the clicky switch category with its buttery feel and invigorating sound. The dual-railed stems in the Melodic provide a crunchy tactile feedback that many users enjoy. Both switches are factory lubed for added smoothness, but each offers a distinct typing experience based on their design characteristics. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Melodic switches provide contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Ice King Linear utilizes a softer nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Melodic features a stiffer polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials leads to a distinct typing experience for users of each switch, with the Ice King offering a deeper sound and the Melodic providing a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ice King Linear and the Gateron Melodic switches use nylon material, which again emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with different bottom housing materials. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches allows for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound, despite the differences in their top housing materials. Users can expect a certain level of sound and feel when using switches with nylon bottom housing, whether it be the Ice King Linear or the Gateron Melodic.
Overall, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience for users. While the Ice King Linear and the Gateron Melodic differ in their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate respectively, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a similar depth and fullness to the sound produced. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound with the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing, or a crisper, higher-pitched sound with the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Ice King Linear is the lighter option with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams and an unknown actuation force. Both switches fall into the medium force category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the amount of pressure needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Ice King Linear, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Melodic's slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic switch. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances can result in quicker keypress feedback. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Melodic switch may provide a more satisfying and traditional typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the typing experience they are seeking.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a subdued experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This results in a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, creating a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Ice King Linear offering a quieter typing experience while the Melodic switch delivers a more distinctive and lively sound.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors highlight the exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, with minimal resistance and friction when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, providing a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and snappy feel. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through different tactile qualities, catering to varying preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to personalize their typing experience based on their preferences. While the Ice King Linear provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Melodic switch delivers a more distinctive sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or prefer a more pronounced sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer high-quality construction and factory lubrication, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, then the Ice King Linear would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing sensation with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, the Gateron Melodic switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value the most, whether it be smoothness and silence or tactile feedback and sound.
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