Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, making it ideal for those who prefer a frictionless and subdued feel while typing. On the other hand, the Blue Jade provides a unique clicky typing experience with its distinct tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound and feel. 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
65g
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
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Jade switches, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch, due to the shared nylon housing material.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Ice King Linear and Blue Jade switches, the specific design and construction of each switch may lead to differences in sound and feel. The placement of the nylon housing, whether on the top or bottom of the switch, can affect the overall typing experience. For example, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights how the same material can yield different results based on its placement within the switch.
Overall, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the Ice King Linear and Blue Jade switches speaks to the desire for a deep, full sound profile that is characteristic of softer plastics. By utilizing nylon for their housing, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a rounder, less harsh sound. While there may be subtle differences in the sound and feel of each switch due to their unique designs, users can generally expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel when using either the Durock Ice King Linear or the Outemu Blue Jade switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is clear that the Ice King Linear is slightly lighter overall. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. In contrast, the Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier with a medium-heavy feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Ice King Linear would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, the Outemu Blue Jade may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, we can see that the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers who need quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Blue Jade may provide a more satisfying depth when typing for those who enjoy a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Outemu Blue Jade 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 provides a subdued typing experience, offering a dampened sound when the keys are pressed. This results in a more subtle sound compared to most switches, making it a good option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare it to the Ice King Linear in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished qualities, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This creates a fluid and effortless typing sensation, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch is not specified, so it's unclear how it compares to the luxurious typing experience offered by the Ice King Linear.
Considering the available information, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch stands out for its silky smooth typing experience, subdued sound profile, and overall premium feel. While the qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch remain unknown, it's safe to say that if you opt for the Ice King Linear, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with smooth key presses and a quieter sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Blue Jade might be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch as well, as they can significantly impact your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to evaluate what features are most important to you when making your selection.
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