Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Ice King linear is known for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, giving it a silky, frictionless, subdued, creamy, polished feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches by Gateron are designed with a focus on office environments, offering a quieter typing experience that balances a subdued sound signature with light actuation, perfect for professional settings. If you're looking for a switch that is easy to press and bouncy, the Mountain Top may be the way to go. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Mountain Top switches utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This common material choice between the two switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their housing, the way they are designed may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. The Ice King Linear may have a different housing design compared to the Mountain Top, which can influence how the sound is produced when pressing down or letting go of a key. The balance between the top and bottom housings can result in varying levels of impact on the overall typing experience, with each switch offering a unique feel based on their specific housing design.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Mountain Top may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific sound and feel desired during typing. While both switches utilize nylon for their housing material, any differences in design or construction may lead to subtle variations in the typing experience. It is important for users to consider how the balance between the top and bottom housings may affect the overall sound profile and feel of each switch before making a decision on which one to use for their keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options for users. The Ice King Linear has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Mountain Top switch suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Ice King Linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top switch. In general, the shorter travel distance on the Mountain Top switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance on the Ice King switch may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
The Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened sound when pressed, making it an excellent option for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level, suitable for various environments. When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing feel, catering to those who prefer a more responsive and gentle typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Ice King Linear focusing on smoothness and the Mountain Top emphasizing a balance between sound and feel. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch, providing a satisfying typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches, consider the factors of typing experience and sound profile. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience tailored for office settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound profile will determine which switch suits your needs best.
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