Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both switches offer a smooth typing experience and a polished feel. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, while the Oil King is commended for its low-pitched and creamy feel, reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. Both switches fall under the categories of creamy and polished, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Oil King are both made of nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon top housing. The similarities in material suggest that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, the main point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing of the switches. The Ice King Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This suggests that the bottom-out sound and feel of the Oil King switch may be different from that of the Ice King due to the distinct properties of the INK blend material.
In conclusion, while the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Oil King share similarities in their nylon top housing material, their bottom housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Ice King offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Oil King provides a more pointed and high-pitched clacky sound. These differences highlight how variations in housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, we can see that the Ice King has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams while the Oil King needs 65 grams, making the Oil King the heavier option in this aspect. Both switches fall under the medium to medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. This means that while typing on the Ice King may feel slightly lighter, the difference is minimal and both switches offer a similar typing experience overall. Users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Ice King, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Oil King.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King has a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, but some may find it too abrupt. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile, providing a dampened and more subtle sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King Linear switch is described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Ice King providing a quieter typing experience while the Oil King offers a deeper, more resonant sound.
In terms of feel, both switches share similar qualities such as a creamy and silky typing experience. The Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke. Similarly, the Gateron Oil King Linear switch is also described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In this case, choosing between the two switches would likely come down to other factors such as availability and price, as the feel of both switches would yield similar results.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Oil King Linear switch offer a premium typing experience with their smooth and refined feel. While the Ice King may provide a quieter sound profile, the Oil King offers a deeper and more resonant typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Oil King linear switches, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Ice King with its 62-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch, the Oil King with its 65-gram bottom out force may be more to your liking. In terms of sound, if you prefer a subdued sound, the Ice King may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a low-pitched or bassy sound profile, the Oil King may be more appealing to you. When it comes to feel, both switches offer silky, creamy, and polished typing experiences, making either switch a good choice in terms of feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force and sound profile.
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