Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it really boils down to your preferred typing experience. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth feel and frictionless typing thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a tactile typing experience without any specific standout features. If you enjoy a more subdued and creamy typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. 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
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 Crystal Brown, it is evident that they each offer unique sound profiles based on the type of plastic used. The Nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the decision between the two would likely depend on personal preference for sound characteristics.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housings of the Ice King Linear and the Crystal Brown, both utilize Nylon which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience in terms of sound may be more consistent between the two switches regardless of the differences in their top housings. However, it is worth noting that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between Nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Ice King Linear and the Crystal Brown ultimately comes down to individual preferences for sound profiles. The softer nature of Nylon in the Ice King Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those seeking a more muted typing experience. Conversely, the stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Crystal Brown offers a crisper and clearer sound, which may appeal to those looking for a sharper typing sound. While the bottom housings may provide a similar sound experience, the differences in top housings can significantly impact the overall sound profile of the switches.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams while the Crystal Brown needs 55 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crystal Brown switch, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who like a bit of resistance and a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ice King Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of conventional travel distances, with the Ice King being slightly shorter than the Crystal Brown. Gamers may lean towards the Ice King for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Crystal Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference 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 Outemu Crystal Brown 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 adds a subtle and quiet sound signature to your typing sessions. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is not provided, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is described as providing a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. This means you can expect an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, information on the tactile feel of the Crystal Brown switch is not available, making it challenging to compare the tactile feedback between the two switches.
Overall, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear switch may be a great choice for you. However, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a specific feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch could be a suitable option as well. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your keyboard setup and keycaps. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is recommended to try them out firsthand to determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Ice King Linear would be a great choice. The Ice King Linear offers a subdued sound and has descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, ensuring a premium typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch, the Crystal Brown might be more suitable for you. The Crystal Brown lacks specific sound and feel descriptors in the information provided, but it still offers a tactile typing experience at a lighter force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound level, and force required, so choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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