Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Black both offer unique features to consider. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. With descriptors like 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', this switch promises a premium feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch doesn't come with any specific standout features, making it a more straightforward option for those who prefer a no-frills approach. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Black, we can see a stark contrast between the nylon and polycarbonate materials used. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the Black's polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches featuring RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the nylon and polycarbonate top housings cater to different preferences in typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, the Ice King Linear and Outemu Black both utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a dulled and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This consistency in bottom housing material highlights the importance of achieving a specific typing experience throughout the switch. By using nylon for both the Ice King Linear and the Outemu Black bottom housings, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile, emphasizing the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and Outemu Black housing materials ultimately comes down to individual preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Ice King Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings, the Outemu Black provides a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. Understanding the effects of each housing material on the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel while typing. Whether opting for a softer, more absorptive sound with the Ice King Linear or a clearer, resonant sound with the Outemu Black, users can achieve their desired typing experience with these distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King is lighter in both aspects. The Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Black has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it heavier in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Ice King more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier Black switch. Both switches provide a different typing feel due to their varying force requirements, ultimately catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on typing feel and gaming performance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Ice King Linear with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Outemu Black with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This subtle sound signature can enhance your overall typing environment without being completely silent. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch is not specified. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also impacted by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is described as offering a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities contribute to a smooth and effortless keystroke, with minimal resistance and a fluid key travel. In contrast, the specific feel of the Outemu Black linear switch is not provided. With both switches, however, it can be expected that the feel will be similar if they share characteristics such as a smooth and lubricated construction.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lubrication. This switch offers a subdued sound profile and a luxurious feel with qualities like silkiness, frictionlessness, creaminess, and polish. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch are not detailed, if it shares similar characteristics to the Ice King Linear switch, users can expect a comparable level of typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Black linear switches, you should consider several factors. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, then the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a linear switch with certain characteristics that are not explicitly described, the Outemu Black switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best typing experience possible.
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