Durock Ice King Linear vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and Cherry MX Red are two popular options that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, deriving from its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, offering a frictionless and polished feel that many users crave. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red stands out as a classic choice, known for its slightly heftier actuation and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust and satisfying auditory experience that enhances the overall typing enjoyment. While the Ice King Linear appeals to those who prioritize a creamy and smooth touch, the MX Red offers a textural richness that some might find more engaging. 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Red, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material results in a similar sound profile when typing, characterized by a deeper and fuller acoustics owing to nylon’s softer plastic properties. The use of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which enhances the roundness and dullness of the overall typing sound. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a satisfying auditory experience, as the nylon housing contributes to a desirable noise profile that is consistent across both types.
While both switches feature nylon for their housings, the impact of housing differentiation becomes relevant when considering the overall feel and sound generated during use. Since both the Ice King Linear and Cherry MX Red share the same housing materials, the split in housing characteristics typically showcased in switches with different materials is less noticeable. In this instance, the performance is uniform due to the identical composition, which means that aspects such as the bottom-out sound and the rebound sound when releasing the key will exhibit similar qualities. Consequently, users can anticipate a cohesive typing experience across both switch models.
However, it is important to acknowledge that even with the same housing materials, the design and internal mechanics of each switch can influence the final typing experience. Although the nylon housings contribute equally to the sound, any differences in the switches' actuation force, travel distance, or internal components might still result in varied tactile feedback and performance. Therefore, while the housing materials alone present a strong similarity, users may still perceive unique qualities in the typing experience based on each switch's design characteristics, creating a distinctive feel between the Ice King Linear and Cherry MX Red despite their common use of nylon!
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch present a noteworthy comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance that may appeal to users seeking a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, where reduced fatigue is desired. However, the bottom out force for the MX Red is unknown, leaving some ambiguity regarding how it feels when fully pressed down. Overall, while the Ice King switch offers a firmer push due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Cherry MX Red is lighter, making it a better fit for those who prefer a less forceful keystroke.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Ice King Linear measuring 3.5 mm and the MX Red extending to 4 mm. This makes the Ice King Linear the shorter option, offering a slightly more responsive feel, which can cater to gamers who favor quicker key presses for enhanced performance. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for response time versus key depth, but if you're looking for a more brisk experience, the Ice King Linear is the way to go.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch is notably quieter than many other switches and is designed to provide a soft and subdued auditory feedback, which may appeal to users who prefer a more discreet typing experience. The Cherry MX Red switch, on the other hand, carries a deeper sound profile, often characterized as thocky. This means that users can expect a satisfying, richer noise—a soft "thud" effect that resonates nicely when the key is pressed and released. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the MX Red will deliver a sound that is more pronounced and impactful compared to the quieter Ice King.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch excels with its silky, frictionless typing experience, resulting from its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. This smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Users can also expect a creamy sensation while typing, akin to gliding on a polished surface. Contrastingly, the Cherry MX Red switch, while still linear, has a textured feel that some users might find a bit scratchy compared to the seamless glide of the Ice King. This slight texture is generally seen as providing a different kind of tactile feedback, which can enhance the typing experience for some, but might not deliver the same level of smoothness that the Ice King provides.
Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences. The Durock Ice King Linear offers an extremely smooth and quiet typing experience ideal for those who value minimal auditory feedback alongside effortless key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red presents a more robust auditory experience with a deeper sound profile, coupled with a slightly textured feel. Users can choose either switch based on their personal preferences—if you desire a silky and polished experience, the Ice King is the way to go, while for a deeper sound and more tactile feedback, the MX Red would be preferable. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide quality performance suited to different typing styles and acoustic desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Cherry MX Red largely depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you're someone who values a buttery smooth, frictionless feel, and prefers a quieter typing experience, the Ice King Linear would be an excellent choice. Its silky and polished finish, coupled with generous factory lube, ensures a delightful typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances fluidity, making it great for extensive typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory depth, the Cherry MX Red might be the better fit. Its deeper thocky sound profile and slightly heftier feel offer a classic and robust typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment. In summary, if you're focused on achieving a smooth typing sensation, go for the Ice King Linear. Conversely, if you prefer a richer sound and a more substantial feel, the Cherry MX Red is likely to meet your needs more effectively. Ultimately, it all boils down to what aspects of the switch are most important to you.
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