Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When diving into the world of mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each option to find the perfect fit for your typing preferences. On one hand, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a frictionless and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet yet satisfying tactile typing experience thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump, perfect for those who appreciate a "thocky" sound. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and key feel.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the Durock Ice King Linear and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches may exhibit slight differences in sound and feel due to variations in their switch design and construction. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, whereas the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, subtle nuances in the design of these switches may lead to variations in typing experience despite sharing the same housing material.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches showcase the benefits of using nylon as a housing material in mechanical switches. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. While they may differ slightly in their overall typing experience due to unique design elements, users can expect a consistent level of quality and performance from switches that utilize nylon housing material.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch, we see that both fall into the medium weight category in terms of actuation force. The Ice King Linear requires 52 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Silent Yellow Jade requires 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear is lighter, needing 62 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 65 grams. A lighter actuation force like the one found in the Silent Yellow Jade may be preferred by those looking for a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Ice King Linear may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. The difference between the two is minimal, but it can impact the overall typing experience for individuals who are sensitive to key travel distances. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Jade 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
The Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a more dampened and subtle typing experience when compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch from Outemu is praised for its quiet "thocky" sound, adding a satisfying tactile element to each keystroke. The sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These attributes contribute to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, with minimal resistance and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the tactile Silent Yellow Jade switch's feel is not specified, but it is described as offering a punchy tactile bump for tactile feedback.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with reduced resistance, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound, then the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a satisfying "thocky" sound, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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