Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both switches offer a linear typing experience. The Ice King Linear stands out for its silky smooth typing experience attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a popular choice for those seeking a frictionless and polished typing sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation with no specific standout features highlighted. While the Ice King Linear offers a more detailed description of its typing experience, the Silent Yellow remains a bit of a mystery in terms of its characteristics. 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
2.20 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
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 Yellow, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles when using either the Ice King Linear or the Silent Yellow due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials leads to a difference in sound profiles, with the Ice King Linear producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Silent Yellow. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Yellow's top housing allows for greater clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow will primarily come down to the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience, the difference in top housing materials will result in distinguishable sound profiles. Those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the Ice King Linear with its nylon top housing, while users looking for a sharper and crisper sound may opt for the Silent Yellow with its polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams, while the Silent Yellow demands a heavier 80 grams. This means that the Ice King provides a more gentle typing experience with a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow offers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier force requirements. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing, the Ice King would be the more suitable option, whereas if you prefer a heavier switch for a more solid typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be the better choice.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. If you enjoy a more responsive feel with less travel, the Ice King may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a longer travel distance, the Silent Yellow could be the one to go for. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each user is looking for.
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 Yellow 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, producing a dampened sound when pressed. It's not completely silent but provides a more subtle sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is unknown at this time. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing sensation, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness during key presses and releases. In contrast, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is not available at the moment.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and silent typing experience, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches can provide similar results in terms of feel and sound. However, it's essential to consider other factors such as build quality, keycap material, and personal preferences when choosing between these switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches, it is important to consider your preference for typing force and sound. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing force, the Silent Yellow switch may be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, the Ice King Linear offers a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, while the Silent Yellow's feel is not described. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal typing preferences and priorities.
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