Durock Ice King Linear vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Oreo tactile switches, you are presented with two unique options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, offering a frictionless and polished feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches boast a delightful tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, providing a satisfying keystroke while maintaining a comfortable typing experience. While the Ice King Linear leans towards a subdued and creamy typing experience, the Oreo switches offer a chirpy and stepped tactility. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Oreo both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Ice King Linear featuring a nylon top housing and the Oreo featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Everglide Oreo contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of the Ice King Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, influencing the overall typing experience and sound when pressing down on the switch. Despite their differences, both housing materials provide unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Oreo ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the Ice King Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top and bottom housings, the Oreo provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different users based on their desired sound and typing experience. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a more clear and resonant sound, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Ice King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ice King being slightly heavier than the Oreo. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Oreo may be the better choice as it has slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ice King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces in their typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oreo switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear switch. A shorter travel distance, such as the one found in the Ice King Linear switch, is often preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, a longer travel distance, like the one in the Oreo switch, may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a chirpy sound with a slight squeak to them, providing a unique acoustic signature. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Ice King Linear being more subtle and the Oreo being more distinctive. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear provides a silky typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. It offers a frictionless and creamy sensation, allowing for smooth and effortless typing with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented tactility, striking a balance between satisfying feedback and comfortable typing. It is described as stepped, providing a distinct two-stage feel during the keystroke. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Ice King Linear focusing on smoothness and the Oreo offering a balanced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch excels in providing a smooth typing experience with its silky feel and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a unique tactile feedback with a chirpy sound and accented tactility. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer quality typing experiences with their own distinct characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a smoother typing experience with a subtle sound, or a more tactile feel with a distinctive auditory feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Oreo switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump at the top of the keystroke followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, along with a slightly chirpy sound profile, the Everglide Oreo switches could be the optimal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying typing experience that best fits your style.
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