Durock Ice King Linear vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face the dilemma of choosing between different tactile experiences. The Durock Ice King Linear is an excellent choice for those seeking a silky smooth and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. These characteristics make it ideal for users who prioritize a creamy and polished feel under their fingers, allowing for seamless key presses and rapid typing without any tactile hindrances. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a distinct tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. This makes it perfect for typists who appreciate feedback while typing, as well as gamers seeking an engaging interaction with each keystroke. While both switches cater to different typing preferences, they each have their own merits worth considering. 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
45g
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 the Cherry MX Purple RGB both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which offers notable similarities in terms of sound and feel. Each switch utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This common material choice means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a sound that is rounder and more subdued than what is produced by switches made of harder plastics. The fact that both switches employ the same nylon construction enhances the likelihood that users will experience a similar auditory feedback, lending a cohesive acoustic character across the two models.
While both switches utilize nylon for their housings, they may differ in terms of their overall design and feel when pressed. The Ice King Linear, for instance, is designed specifically for a smooth and quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize stealth and fluidity. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, which is also known for its tactile feedback, may provide a slightly more pronounced feel during typing, despite sharing the same housing material. This distinction indicates that while the nylon contributes to sound absorption and overall tone, the internal mechanics of each switch could alter tactile sensation and responsiveness, leading to differing user experiences.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings in the Durock Ice King Linear and Cherry MX Purple RGB ensures that they will produce similar sound characteristics. However, the varied designs and intended use cases for each switch yield a divergence in feel and performance. As a result, while both switches share an acoustic foundation, the way they deliver that sound and the tactile feedback experienced by users can vary, providing them with distinct yet related typing experiences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Ice King requiring a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the MX Purple RGB. This makes the Ice King Linear better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as its higher force can provide a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out forces, the Ice King is rated at 62 grams, indicating the weight required to fully engage the switch and experience a tactile feedback at the end of the stroke. The bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, so a direct comparison in this regard cannot be made. However, if the MX Purple were to have a similar bottom out force, it could potentially match the Ice King's weight characteristics. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while individuals who enjoy a heftier feel might prefer the Durock Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Ice King Linear boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and provides that deeper feel some typists prefer. This difference in distance can impact the overall typing experience; those who enjoy a more responsive feel might gravitate toward the Ice King switch, while users who favor a more substantial key press may prefer the Cherry MX Purple. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference, as the shorter travel distance of the Ice King allows for quicker response times, whereas the longer travel of the MX Purple might resonate with those who appreciate tactile feedback.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 switches offer a notably subdued and smooth auditory experience. While their specific sound profile is not detailed, the quiet operation of linear switches generally results in minimal keystroke noise, allowing for a more focused typing environment. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a more pronounced sound due to their tactile bump mechanism, which produces a noticeable click at the actuation point. The sound produced by the Purple switches is satisfying to many users who appreciate auditory feedback, but this may feel more raucous in comparison to the silent demeanor of the Ice King Linears. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switches excel with their exceptionally smooth and frictionless characteristics. Users can expect a silky and creamy typing experience, largely attributed to the high-quality materials and factory lubrication that Durock employs. These features result in minimal resistance, creating a buttery-smooth sensation as keys are pressed and released. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, however, provide a distinct tactile feedback that many users find both engaging and rewarding. The tactile bump adds a layer of resistance at the actuation point, making it easier to sense key presses without bottoming out. This pronounced feel may not be as smooth as the Ice King Linears but offers an appealing feedback for those who enjoy tactile switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ice King Linears are best suited for users who seek a quiet, smooth typing experience with minimal friction, while the MX Purple RGB switches are ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback accompanied by audible clicks. Ultimately, your choice might depend on personal preferences regarding typing sensations and sound preferences, with both offering unique benefits that can enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing experience and the type of feedback you desire. If you favor a buttery, silky, and frictionless typing feel, the Durock Ice King Linear is an excellent option. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams provides satisfactory resistance without being overly taxing, making it ideal for prolonged use, whether you're gaming or typing up documents. Moreover, the generous factory lubrication enhances its creamy and polished feel, ensuring that each keystroke is smooth and refined. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and prefer a clear, defined bump during your key presses, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be more suited to your taste. Developed with the keyboard enthusiast in mind, these switches offer a short, medium-strength bump that can enhance your overall typing experience. Thus, if you often work with touch typing or enjoy the satisfaction of a tactile response, the Cherry MX Purple RGB will likely serve you well. In the end, consider how you interact with your keyboard and what sensations you prefer; both switches have unique advantages tailored to different experiences.
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