Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Peach mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are key differences to consider. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its smooth typing experience attributed to its full nylon construction and factory lube, offering a silky, frictionless feel with a subdued, creamy, and polished touch. On the other hand, the Milk Peach lacks distinctive features but provides a standard linear typing experience. While the Ice King Linear excels in providing a luxurious typing experience, the Milk Peach may appeal to those seeking a more basic linear switch. 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
N/A
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
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
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Peach both utilize different materials for their top and bottom switch housings, providing unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Milk Peach incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. The use of these distinct materials in the top housing of each switch contributes to their overall sound quality and aesthetic appeal, particularly for switches designed for RGB lighting.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom switch housing, both the Ice King Linear and the Milk Peach share a nylon material. This commonality means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still have subtle differences in sound and feel based on other factors such as stem material and spring weight. However, the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and overall switch performance.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Peach plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. While the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper sound, the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper tone. The shared nylon bottom housing between the two switches results in a similar deep and full sound profile, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of a mechanical switch. Whether a switch features a softer nylon or a stiffer polycarbonate housing, careful consideration of these materials can greatly impact the sound, feel, and performance of the switch in daily use.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Peach's 45 grams, making the Milk Peach the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams, while the Milk Peach's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of the Ice King Linear is higher, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Milk Peach may appeal to those who enjoy typing for extended periods without feeling fatigued. In terms of overall weight, the Ice King Linear can be considered heavier due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Peach switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant to all users, but for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing, the Ice King Linear switch may provide a slightly more satisfying keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Milk Peach 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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Milk Peach switch are unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance and a fluid travel. Conversely, information on the tactile feel of the Milk Peach switch is not provided. However, based on the descriptions of the Ice King Linear switch, we can expect a similarly smooth and effortless typing experience from the Milk Peach switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch are not explicitly mentioned, the descriptions of the Ice King Linear switch suggest that it too may provide a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switches, it's important to consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing feel with a medium bottom out force and subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if bottom out force and sound are not significant factors for you, the Milk Peach could be a good option. Keep in mind that the Ice King Linear offers a more refined and polished typing experience, while the Milk Peach may offer a different type of feel that some users may prefer. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch - whether it be smoothness, sound, or any other factor that is important to you.
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