Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Peach are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear provides a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it ideal for those who enjoy a frictionless and creamy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is praised for its lightweight and silenced design, offering a feathery light typing experience that is perfect for linear switch enthusiasts. 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
40g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Peach utilize nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to the ear. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with a unique sound signature that is appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite both switches using nylon for their housing material, the Ice King Linear and the Outemu Peach may vary in terms of their overall sound profile due to other factors such as stem design or spring weight. However, the qualities of the nylon top and bottom housings will play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience for users of both switches.
In conclusion, the nylon housing material used in both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Peach switches contributes to a similar depth and fullness in sound, creating a satisfying typing experience for users. While they may differ in other aspects such as stem design or spring weight, the qualities of the nylon housings ensure that both switches offer a unique sound signature that is appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts. Whether typing on the Ice King Linear or the Outemu Peach, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with a rich and round sound profile that sets these switches apart from others on the market.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Ice King Linear has a slightly higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Outemu Peach linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. The Ice King provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Peach switch is ideal for users who favor a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those seeking quicker response times. However, the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Peach switch. Gamers looking for a switch with a bit more depth may prefer the Ice King Linear, while those who prioritize a slightly shorter travel distance might lean towards the Outemu Peach. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with a responsive typing or gaming 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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound when pressed, making it quieter compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch has a more neutral sound profile, with a muted characteristic that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience, but the Ice King may offer a slightly more understated sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, providing minimal resistance and a smooth key travel. The Peach linear switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and subtle typing feel, with a polished finish that reduces friction and enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a focus on smoothness, but the Ice King may provide a slightly more effortless glide across the keys.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Peach linear switches are excellent choices for linear switch enthusiasts looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience. While the Ice King may offer a slightly quieter sound and a more effortless typing feel, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, but either option will deliver similar results in terms of overall comfort and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Peach linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a feathery light typing experience with a muted sound, the Outemu Peach switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Each switch offers unique qualities to enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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