Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. Described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', this switch is a popular choice for those who prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver lacks specific standout features but is known for its reliability and durability. While the Ice King Linear may appeal to those seeking a premium typing feel, the Outemu Silver could be a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a solid performance. 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
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
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silver switches provide different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ice King Linear uses a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Silver switch features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While the Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deep and full sound profile, the Silver switch's nylon bottom housing offers similar sound characteristics, further emphasizing the differences in top housing materials between the two switches.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silver switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches elicit a similar deep and full sound profile, as nylon's soft nature absorbs sound effectively. The split in housing materials for each switch allows for a unique tactile experience: the bottom housing of a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Although the Ice King Linear and Outemu Silver switches have contrasting top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silver switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and tactile feedback. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those who prefer a more muffled and rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver switch's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound, appealing to users who appreciate a crisper typing sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a consistent sound profile with their shared nylon bottom housing, ensuring a reliable typing experience regardless of the top housing material chosen.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Outemu Silver switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams while the Silver requires 65 grams. This means that the Outemu Silver switch is lighter to actuate but requires more force to bottom out, making it more suitable for those who prefer a slighter typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force but requires less force to bottom out, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. In terms of weight, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silver has a longer travel distance compared to the Durock Ice King. The difference might not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Durock Ice King, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Outemu Silver. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for producing a subdued sound, offering a quieter and more refined typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Silver linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance. These qualities make typing on the Ice King Linear switch a luxurious and comfortable experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch, so it is unclear how it compares to the Ice King Linear in terms of typing feel.
Taking into consideration the available information, it is evident that the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a unique and premium typing experience with its smooth and quiet operation. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silver linear switch remain unknown, it is likely that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from the Ice King Linear switch. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, and the choice between them would depend on individual preferences for typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silver linear switches, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a silky, frictionless, creamy, or polished typing experience with a subdued sound profile, then the Durock Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are open to exploring a different sound and feel profile, the Outemu Silver linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns best with your individual preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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