Durock Ice King Linear vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, both options offer a smooth typing experience. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky and frictionless feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, giving it a subdued and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black features Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling for a textured smoothness, and it offers a deep sound profile while typing. The MX Black is known for its low-pitched and stiff characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Ice King Linear and MX Black switches utilize nylon as a housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of performance, the Nylon top and bottom housings of the Ice King Linear and MX Black switches provide a consistent typing experience. The softer plastic of the nylon housing material ensures a quieter operation with a more cushioned feel when typing. This makes them both suitable choices for environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum while still offering a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the similarities in the housing materials of the Ice King Linear and MX Black switches result in similar sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon top and bottom housings of both switches work together to provide a deep and full sound when typing, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound for a quieter operation. Whether choosing the Ice King Linear or MX Black, users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience thanks to the quality nylon housing material used in both switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch differ significantly. The Ice King has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams and a lower bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a more medium option. In contrast, the MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a higher bottom out force of 80 grams, falling into the heavy category. The lighter actuation force of the Ice King may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience, while the heavier actuation force of the MX Black provides a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some favoring lighter forces for extended typing sessions and others preferring heavier forces for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Black switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear switch may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the MX Black switch might provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing or gaming 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch produces a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors suggest a smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance and a refined finish. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff, indicating noticeable friction when typing and a higher amount of force required to actuate the keys. While the Ice King Linear switch focuses on providing a smooth and fluid typing feel, the MX Black switch provides a tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Ice King Linear switch emphasizes a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the MX Black switch provides a textured feel with a more pronounced actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Understanding the distinctions between these switches can help newcomers make an informed decision to achieve their desired typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Black linear switches, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness with a low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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