Durock Ice King Linear vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Ice King Linear stands out for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a feel that is described as 'silky, frictionless, subdued, creamy, and polished'. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red switch but with the added benefit of operating silently. This switch is known for its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured feel. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Ice King Linear is ideal for those looking for a smooth and frictionless feel, while the MX Silent Red is perfect for noise-sensitive environments. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and Cherry MX Silent Red both utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material. This commonality means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This duller and rounder sound is characteristic of switches made with nylon housing, offering a more satisfying auditory experience for users.
However, despite both switches featuring nylon housing, there may be subtle differences in the overall typing experience due to variations in design and construction. The Ice King Linear and MX Silent Red may have differences in the thickness or shape of their housing components, impacting the acoustics and feel of the switch. These nuances could result in a slight variation in sound and tactile feedback between the two switches, giving users the opportunity to choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play distinct roles in the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By considering how these housing materials interact with each other, users can gain a deeper understanding of how each switch will perform in everyday use. Whether opting for the Durock Ice King Linear or the Cherry MX Silent Red, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with the benefits of nylon housing enhancing the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that both have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams, making the Ice King Linear slightly heavier in terms of initial keypress. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams to fully depress the key, while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red's lighter actuation force may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Cherry MX Silent Red switch to be more to their liking due to its marginally longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches, it is important to note that both switches offer a quieter sound profile compared to traditional linear switches. The Ice King Linear switch is described as producing a subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch is described as producing a muted sound with a thocky and low-pitched tone, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. While both switches aim to reduce noise, the Ice King Linear may provide a slightly quieter typing experience overall.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, possibly indicating some level of friction when pressed. This could provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the ultra-smooth feel of the Ice King Linear switch.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear may provide a quieter sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the MX Silent Red switch may offer a slightly different tactile feel with its textured sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. If a quieter typing experience and smooth keystrokes are desired, the Ice King Linear may be the preferred choice. However, if a textured feel is preferred or if noise reduction is the top priority, the MX Silent Red switch could be a suitable option. Both switches offer quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches, you should consider the following key points. If you prioritize a smooth and luxurious typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a silent operation and a slightly heftier feel with no bottom out force specified, the MX Silent Red might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a subdued sound and silky feel with the Ice King Linear, or a muted sound profile and slightly textured feel with the MX Silent Red. Consider your preferences for typing experience and noise level when making your decision between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
