Durock Ice King Linear vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Haimu Orange Sea both offer exceptional typing experiences, each defined by their unique characteristics. The Ice King Linear stands out for its silky smooth performance, boasting full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a typing feel that is often described as frictionless, subdued, and polished. This switch caters to users who prioritize a smooth and refined keystroke, making it a great choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are recognized for their impeccably smooth typing feel coupled with a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prefer an unobtrusive auditory experience while typing. While both switches are linear and designed for seamless operation, the choice largely depends on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Durock Ice King Linear and Haimu Orange Sea switches exhibit both unique characteristics and similarities, particularly in their bottom housings. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is mainly due to nylon’s softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, typing on the Ice King Linear promises a muted and rounded auditory experience, making it an appealing option for users who prefer a soft and rich sound. The emphasis on nylon contributes to a consistent tactile response across both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a cohesive typing experience that feels uniform from top to bottom.

In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features polycarbonate for its top housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound character. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate lends itself well to RGB lighting setups, making the Orange Sea visually appealing as well. While the bottom housing of the Orange Sea is also constructed from nylon—similarly to the Ice King Linear—the difference in the top housing introduces variability in the sound profile. The Orange Sea's top housing, being polycarbonate, provides an opportunity for users to experience the sharpness and clarity of sound that the Ice King Linear lacks.

Ultimately, despite the differences in their top housings, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Haimu Orange Sea can deliver impressive results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback due to their shared nylon bottom housing. Users can expect a fuller sound experience when bottoming out for both switches, as nylon tends to absorb and muffle sound effectively. However, the uniqueness of each switch's top housing means that while the bottom-out sound may be consistent, the sound upon release will differ significantly between the two. The combination of materials means that each switch serves unique preferences, catering to those who appreciate either the rounded softness of the Ice King Linear or the sharp precision provided by the Haimu Orange Sea.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable distinctions in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch—ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch demonstrates a lighter touch with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, where less effort is beneficial. Hence, while both switches offer unique experiences, the Ice King Linear is the heavier option, providing a robust feedback feel, whereas the Orange Sea is the lighter choice, catering to those who prefer a softer keystroke.

Travel distance

The Durock Ice King Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys, the Ice King offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Orange Sea, which might appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to the more immediate actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Orange Sea could provide a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that promotes quick actions, the Ice King would be the better choice due to its shorter travel, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress might gravitate towards the Orange Sea for its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch features a subdued auditory profile, providing a dampened yet pleasant sound when engaged. This makes it ideal for environments where a quieter typing experience is appreciated; while not completely silent, it is certainly more discreet than many other switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch’s sound characteristics are not explicitly described, leaving some ambiguity about its acoustic profile. However, sound perception is inherently intricate, influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even personal sensitivity to sound.

In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear clearly excels with a range of descriptors that highlight its smoothness. Users can expect a silky, frictionless typing experience enriched by its creamy texture, effectively minimizing any resistance as you type. The polished nature of the Ice King further guarantees a refined and enjoyable keystroke, making it incredibly appealing for those who prioritize smoothness in their typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switch, while not detailed in terms of feel, is also suggested to deliver an impeccably smooth typing experience. It can be assumed that this could lead to a similarly enjoyable tactile sensation, albeit specifics are left to the imagination.

In summary, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a clearly defined sound signature and a multitude of smooth feel attributes—making it a top choice for many—details about the Haimu Orange Sea switch, particularly in sound and tactile characteristics, remain sparse. If you're after a robustly silky typing experience, the Ice King is a standout. Meanwhile, the Orange Sea could provide similar results in feel based on its anticipatory qualities, but without greater specificity, it’s hard to make a direct comparison. Exploring both options could yield unique personal preferences, especially in the context of a well-curated keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Haimu Orange Sea Linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial force behind your key presses, the Ice King Linear is an excellent choice with its medium 62-gram bottom-out force, offering a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience that makes each keystroke feel smooth and effortless. Its subdued sound character ensures minimal distraction while typing, making it ideal for more focused work environments or for those who appreciate a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea with its 45-gram bottom-out force is perfect for you. This switch also provides an impeccably smooth typing feel, although it doesn’t boast the same level of luxurious frictionless travel as the Ice King. Ultimately, if you prioritize comfort and a more tactile engagement with your keys, the Ice King will suit you well; however, if you prefer a nimble and swift typing experience, you'll likely gravitate towards the Orange Sea.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

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Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more