Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Blue. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a popular choice for those seeking a frictionless and subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback with each key press. While the Ice King Linear is described as 'Creamy' and 'Polished', the Blue switch does not have any specific descriptors. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Blue, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbent nature of nylon. However, the Ice King Linear's top housing is made of nylon, while the Blue's top housing is made of polycarbonate. This difference in material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for the Blue switch, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound.
The visual aspect of the housing materials also sets the Ice King Linear and the Outemu Blue apart. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Ice King Linear's top housing is also made of nylon, resulting in a classic opaque appearance. In contrast, the Blue switch features a clear polycarbonate top housing, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through. This distinction in appearance not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the switches but also impacts the overall typing experience, as the material of the top housing can influence the sound and feel of the keystrokes.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Blue can come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and visual appeal. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing, but the Ice King Linear will have a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper and sharper sound of the Blue switch with its polycarbonate top housing. Additionally, the opaque appearance of the Ice King Linear contrasts with the translucent look of the Blue switch, adding another layer of differentiation between the two options.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch is slightly heavier than the Outemu Blue clicky switch in terms of actuation force, with the Ice King requiring 52 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King again proves heavier, needing 62 grams compared to the Blue's unknown force. This means that typing on the Ice King Linear switch may feel slightly more substantial and require a bit more effort compared to the Outemu Blue switch. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Durock Ice King Linear switch for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ice King Linear has a slightly quicker key press feel compared to the Outemu Blue. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and offer a decent amount of depth for key presses. Gamers may prefer the Ice King Linear for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while typists who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the Outemu Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. 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 Outemu Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics are not specified. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's tactile feel is not provided. Both switches may deliver different typing experiences due to their unique design and construction.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out for its smooth and quiet typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. The Outemu Blue clicky switch, though lacking specific information on sound and feel, is known for its tactile and clicky characteristics. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, each switch offers distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Considering the information available, opting for the Ice King Linear switch would likely provide a smoother and quieter typing experience, while the Blue clicky switch may offer a more tactile and audible feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a silky smooth and frictionless typing feel with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire. So, whether you lean towards a smooth and polished feel or a clicky and tactile experience, both switches have their unique characteristics to cater to different typing styles.
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