Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. It falls under categories such as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is known for its tactile feedback without any specific standout feature. Despite this, it is important to consider that tactile switches like the Milk Tea offer a distinctive tactile bump that can enhance the typing experience for some users. 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
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Tea both feature nylon top and bottom housings, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in both switches absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Ice King Linear is noted for its classic switch housing material, while the Milk Tea boasts a newer material offering bright and resonant clacks when typing. This difference in sound signature may appeal to different preferences in terms of typing sound.
While both switches share nylon top housing material, the Ice King Linear's bottom housing is also made of nylon, emphasizing its softer plastic properties for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the Milk Tea uses nylon for its bottom housing, maintaining consistency in sound characteristics throughout the switch. The split qualities of the housing material contribute to the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound upon releasing a key.
Despite having different descriptions for their top housing material, the Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Tea share the same nylon material, resulting in comparable typing experiences. Both switches offer a classic feel with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's sound absorption properties. Whether one prefers the Ice King Linear's emphasis on classic switch housing or the Milk Tea's bright and resonant clacks, the nylon material in both switches ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear is heavier in both aspects. The Ice King Linear requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The weight of a switch can impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea, while those desiring a heavier feel may opt for the Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with a 4 mm travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Ice King Linear due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Milk Tea with a longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, with the Ice King Linear providing a quicker press and the Milk Tea offering a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and 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 Milk Tea 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 profile, which means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Milk Tea switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities translate to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and friction when pressing the keys. In comparison, the feel of the Milk Tea switch is unknown.
Considering the available information, the Durock Ice King Linear switch excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience with its silky feel and subdued sound. While the characteristics of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of smoothness and overall typing experience, so it is recommended to try them out firsthand to determine the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, consider your preference for a smooth and silky typing experience. If you prioritize a switch with a medium bottom out force, generous factory lube for a smooth feel, and a subdued sound signature, the Ice King Linear may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with no specified bottom out force and are interested in trying something unique like the Milk Tea, then the Outemu Milk Tea switch could be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch.
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