Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a smooth typing experience. The Ice King Linear is known for its silky, frictionless feel and subdued typing sound, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a specific standout feature but is known for being a reliable linear switch. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be preferred for its unique characteristics and smoother feel. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-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 Silent Green, it is evident that the Nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to the relatively stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more clear and resonant. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the use of Nylon results in a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate yields a crisper and more defined sound.
Similarly, the Nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing counterpart. This is due to the softer plastic composition of Nylon, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition that creates a clear and resonant sound. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows each switch to have a unique sound profile, depending on whether the key is pressed down or released.
Overall, the choice between Nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Durock Ice King Linear and Outemu Silent Green impacts the sound profile and feel of each key press. While Nylon tends to create a deeper and fuller sound, polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches designed for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. Whether the top and bottom housings are the same or different, each material brings its own qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch, allowing for a customized typing experience based on the user's preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, the Silent Green is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, but the Ice King requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Silent Green. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Green. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for travel distance in their keyboard.
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 Silent Green 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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. Remember that the sound of a switch is also 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, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance. This is achieved through full nylon construction and generous factory lube. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the typing feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a switch that offers a smooth and silky typing experience accompanied by a subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, without information on the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's specific qualities, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results if seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, but the decision would boil down to personal preference and the additional factors like keyboard setup and keycap choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Green switches, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a silky smooth feel and a subdued sound while typing, the Ice King Linear would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force switch without any additional features in terms of sound or feel, the Silent Green might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
