Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lotus both offer unique features to consider. The Ice King Linear boasts a 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 polished feel while typing. In contrast, the Lotus switch does not have specific standout features mentioned but is still a linear switch worth considering. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lotus both feature nylon top and bottom housings, giving them similar sound profiles when typing. The nylon material used in both switches is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the design of the housing can impact the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, which has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more pronounced in the Durock Ice King Linear. On the other hand, the top housing of the Outemu Lotus will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in the housing design may result in subtle differences in typing feel and sound between the two switches, despite their shared nylon housing material.
In terms of overall performance, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lotus offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon housing materials. Typing on switches with nylon housings elicits a deep and full sound profile, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. While there may be slight differences in sound and feel due to the design of the housing, both switches offer a premium typing experience that is enhanced by the properties of the nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus is the lighter of the two options. The Ice King has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Lotus features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more delicate option. For those who prefer a lighter touch to avoid fatigue during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Lotus would be the ideal choice. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Ice King to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The Ice King Linear switch is the longer of the two, providing a slightly deeper press, while the Lotus switch offers a slightly quicker keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for depth and response time.
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 Lotus 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
The Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. When it comes to sound, the Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These characteristics indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, with a fluid travel and reduced friction. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unspecified, so it is difficult to compare it directly to the Ice King Linear switch in this aspect.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice based on the available information. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch remain unknown, it's likely that the Ice King Linear switch would deliver similar results in both aspects due to its specific qualities and characteristics that contribute to a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Lotus linear switches, you should consider a few factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a silky smooth typing experience, the Ice King Linear would be a great choice for you. The Ice King Linear also offers a subdued sound profile and various feel options such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Lotus might be a better option for you. However, keep in mind that there is limited information available about the Lotus in terms of sound and feel compared to the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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