Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a popular choice for those seeking a frictionless and subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with no specific standout features mentioned. Those who enjoy the audible feedback of clicky switches may prefer the Spring Breeze for its satisfying 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze switches are quite similar, as both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, in terms of sound performance, both switches are expected to provide a similar auditory experience for users.
However, it's important to note that if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Ice King Linear and the Spring Breeze, since both switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with no significant variations between the top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in the sound profile and feel of a mechanical switch. With nylon being a preferred material for creating a deeper and fuller sound, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches are likely to provide a pleasant typing experience for users who appreciate a softer, more rounded sound. The consistency in housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of sound performance, making them both viable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is clear that the Spring Breeze is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Meanwhile, the Spring Breeze offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. While both switches fall into the medium to medium-light range, the difference in force between the two can significantly impact the overall typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer keypress.
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 Spring Breeze 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
Overall, when comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch with the Outemu Spring Breeze switch, the Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, limited information is available on the sound and feel of the Spring Breeze switch. If you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice based on the available information. However, it is important to keep in mind that personal preferences, typing style, and setup can also greatly influence the final typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person or listening to sound tests online may provide a more accurate comparison to determine which switch suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch or the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Ice King Linear may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Spring Breeze could be more suited to your typing needs. Each switch offers its own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Linear and the Spring Breeze will depend on what typing experience you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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