Durock Ice King Linear vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Orange both stand out as popular linear options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, providing a frictionless and creamy feel that many users adore. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange switches, having been reissued with enhancements, revive the original design and aim to meet the demands of avid typists who appreciate responsive key presses without the audible click of some other switches. While the Ice King Linear focuses on a polished feel with an emphasis on lubricated action, the Cherry MX Orange offers a revival of a classic that balances smoothness with reliability. With these distinct characteristics in mind, it’s important to consider your specific typing preferences and style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and Cherry MX Orange both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to consistent performance in terms of sound and feel profile. This shared material choice reflects a common understanding in keyboard design that nylon is effective for achieving a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches can produce a duller and rounder acoustic output due to the nylon's softer properties. Given that the Ice King Linear and MX Orange share this housing material, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by a muted thock and resonance that is pleasing to the ear.
While both switches feature nylon in their housing, the overall user experience may still vary based on other design elements. For instance, any differences between the internal components, such as the spring or the stem mechanism, will contribute to variations in feel and actuation force. However, because both the Ice King Linear and MX Orange use nylon, the key sound characteristics when bottoming out are likely to be similar. Users should note that while tactile feedback and travel distance may differ between these switches, the foundational acoustic qualities remain consistent thanks to the common housing material.
The configuration of the switch houses can also contribute to the feel of the switch when pressed. While both the Ice King Linear and MX Orange boast nylon materials, the nuances in design, such as the curvature and fit of the housing parts, may impact how the key feels as it travels down and rebounds. This mechanical interplay means that even though they share the same housing materials, the overall experience could differ in tactile feedback and the sensation when releasing the key. Ultimately, however, the key takeaway is that users of either switch can enjoy the sound-absorbing benefits of nylon, leading to a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation forces, which can impact typing and gaming experiences. The Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Cherry MX Orange requires a slightly stronger push at 55 grams. This means that the Ice King is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as users may experience less fatigue with a lower force requirement. The bottom out force for the Ice King is 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when pressing down fully. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is not specified, leaving some uncertainty regarding its feel during a complete keystroke. Generally, the heavier actuation force of the Cherry MX Orange might cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter Ice King switch is ideal for users seeking ease and comfort. Despite the differences, both switches aim to provide core functionalities but cater to varying preferences in force sensitivity and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we find that the Ice King has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Orange boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Ice King Linear is the shorter of the two switches, which can result in a more responsive feel for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange switch, with its longer 4.0 mm travel, provides a more traditional and substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: those seeking quicker response times might gravitate towards the Durock Ice King, while users who enjoy a more pronounced key feel may opt for the Cherry MX Orange.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Ice King Linear switch is designed to be relatively quiet, creating a pleasingly muted typing experience that doesn’t draw too much attention. This characteristic is often appreciated in environments where noise levels should be kept in check. The MX Orange, on the other hand, is noted for its distinct acoustic profile, which may deliver a more pronounced sound when compared to its Durock counterpart. However, it’s essential to consider that both switches can sound different depending on the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps selected, meaning that the acoustic experience can vary widely based on additional factors.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch stands out because of its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished characteristics. It emphasizes an incredibly smooth and low-resistance typing experience, letting fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This deliberate design approach, along with generous factory lube, enhances the overall tactile pleasure of typing. In contrast, while the specifics of the feel for the MX Orange are not detailed, it can be anticipated that it may not achieve the same level of smoothness as the Ice King due to the absence of such characteristics in the description. The differences in tactile feedback will likely influence overall typing enjoyment.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Linear switch excels in providing a smooth, quiet, and refined typing experience, characterized by its buttery feel thanks to premium materials and factory lubrication. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a different acoustic signature and potentially distinct typing sensation but lacks detailed descriptions to draw a comprehensive comparison. For newcomers, if smoothness is a priority, the Ice King is likely the preferable option, while those interested in a unique sound profile may appreciate the MX Orange. Ultimately, both switches have the potential to create a satisfying typing experience, but the Ice King appears to be geared towards maximized smoothness and quiet operation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between Durock Ice King Linear switches and Cherry MX Orange switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a silky smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Linear is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy the feeling of creamy, polished keys that glide effortlessly under your fingers. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams offers a balanced resistance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you value the heritage and reliability of Cherry switches, the MX Orange may appeal to you, especially if you’re looking for something that combines nostalgia with modern enhancements. While the bottom-out force is unspecified, the reissued MX Orange switches are known for their adaptability and robust performance. Ultimately, if you seek a refined, smooth typing experience with a touch of luxury, go with the Ice King Linear switches. Conversely, if you prefer a classic and dependable option, the MX Orange switches would make a suitable selection. Choose based on how you wish to interact with your keyboard, and you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs.
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