Durock Ice King Linear vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream both offer unique and enticing features for users seeking a smooth typing experience. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky feel and frictionless keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a heftier typing experience with a deep sound profile that adds a satisfying touch to each keystroke. While the Ice King Linear is described as subdued and creamy, the NovelKeys Cream is known for its buttery and textured feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Ice King featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Cream utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, POM housing in the Cream switches produces a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted compared to nylon. Overall, both housing materials contribute to enhancing the sound experience of typing on the switches.
While both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of the impact each housing has on the typing experience. The bottom housing, whether nylon in the Ice King or POM in the Cream, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This is where the qualities of the housing material are most prominently felt. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, offering a more complete sound profile that combines the effects of both the top and bottom housing materials.
In essence, while the Durock Ice King Linear and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches feature different housing materials in their top and bottom components, the overall typing experience can be quite similar. Both switches provide a unique sound profile that is influenced by the properties of their respective housing materials. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Ice King or the pleasing and muted sound of POM in the Cream, both switches offer an enhanced typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for the specific sound profile each housing material provides.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we see that the Ice King has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the NovelKeys Cream's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream is heavier at 70 grams. This means that the Ice King provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the medium force category, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces can significantly impact the typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the NovelKeys Cream switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer different options for travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for responsiveness and key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 offers a subdued typing experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch emits a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a clean and sharp sound. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the Ice King Linear being more subdued and the NovelKeys Cream having a deeper, more resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. The switch is described as creamy and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is characterized as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Ice King Linear being silky and polished, and the NovelKeys Cream being buttery and invigorating.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch boasts a quieter and more subtle sound profile with a silky and polished typing feel, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a deeper, more resonant sound with a buttery and invigorating typing experience. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Ice King Linear offering a smoother and more refined feel, and the NovelKeys Cream providing a more tactile and invigorating sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose Durock Ice King Linear or Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches, you should prioritize your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, then the Ice King Linear switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a deep, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, then the NovelKeys Cream switches might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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