Durock Ice King Linear vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, characterized by a full nylon construction and generous factory lube. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a sharp tactile feel with a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, resulting in a rare and premium typing experience featuring strong downstroke and upstroke bumps. While the Ice King Linear provides a subdued and creamy typing feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out for its accented and sharp tactile feedback. Both switches have their own appeal depending on individual preferences, but diving deeper into the specifics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ice King Linear features nylon top and bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) incorporates PBT top and bottom housings, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. While the Ice King Linear's nylon housings create a rounder sound, the PBT housings of the Moyu Black provide a different sound experience that is not as pronounced.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches share the commonality of utilizing top and bottom housings made from varying materials. This means that the qualities brought about by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. In the case of the Ice King Linear, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) distributes the characteristics of the PBT housing between the top and bottom of the switch, offering a unique typing experience that is neither too crisp nor too dull.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) each contribute to a distinct typing experience. The nylon housings of the Ice King Linear create a deep and full sound that is softer and rounder, providing a unique tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the PBT housings of the Moyu Black offer a more neutral sound profile that is not as sharp, resulting in a typing experience that is balanced and consistent. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, with 52 grams versus 50 grams respectively. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams while the Moyu Black demands 67 grams, indicating that the Moyu Black is the heavier of the two switches. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Ice King more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Moyu Black for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force, with the Moyu Black being slightly heavier at the bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) may provide a more satisfying key press with a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 is characterized by a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience. The sharp, short, and punchy sound of the downstroke bump adds to the overall typing experience of the Moyu Black.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear is lauded for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers an accented and sharp tactile feel with a strong and crisp bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The unique blend of materials in the Moyu Black contributes to a premium typing experience with a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt bottom-out.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ice King Linear excels in providing a smooth and polished typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Moyu Black stands out with its sharp tactile feel and resonant sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. In either case, you can expect a high-quality switch that delivers a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear may be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a sharp and distinct tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be the more suitable option. Additionally, if you enjoy a subdued sound while typing, the Ice King Linear is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a more resonant, higher-pitched sound profile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will offer that immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel, sound, and tactile feedback that align with your personal preferences and typing style.