Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Ice King Linear is known for its 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Polished' characteristics, the Silent Grey switch is categorized differently. If you're looking for a switch that is smooth and lube, the Ice King Linear may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a satisfying tactile bump and quiet operation, the Outemu Silent Grey could be the better choice. As always, it's important to explore further beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your specific preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-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 Grey, it is evident that they each offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ice King Linear, with its nylon top housing, is designed to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. These differences in material composition result in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
However, when we delve into the bottom housing of these switches, we find a commonality between the Ice King Linear and the Silent Grey - both utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the similarity in the bottom housing materials of these switches ensures that users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing on either the Ice King Linear or the Silent Grey.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Ice King Linear offers a softer and deeper sound, courtesy of its nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Grey provides a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both ensures a level of consistency in sound quality between the two.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both fall into the medium to medium-heavy weight category. The Ice King Linear has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. However, the Ice King Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Grey requires 65 grams to bottom out, making it the heavier of the two switches overall. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly firmer typing experience with the Silent Grey switch. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Ice King Linear providing a lighter touch for prolonged use, while the Silent Grey offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and how it impacts the overall 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 Silent Grey 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, providing a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for being quiet, ensuring a silent typing experience while still offering a satisfying tactile bump. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is recognized for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a smooth keystroke. Described as creamy and polished, these switches provide a buttery sensation and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel. Conversely, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch was not provided, but as a tactile switch, it is designed to provide a pronounced bump while typing.
Considering the available information, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offers a smooth and subdued typing experience with its silky and frictionless qualities, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to offer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Ice King Linear and Silent Grey switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In concluding, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile and quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Be sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your needs.
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