Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Tom offer unique qualities to consider. The Ice King Linear stands out for its silky smooth typing experience, attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. With characteristics like being 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', this linear switch provides a refined and seamless feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, does not have distinct standout features mentioned. Tactile switches like the Tom typically offer a bump in response when a key is actuated, providing tactile feedback to the user. Both switches have their own advantages, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 Tom switches offer distinct audio and tactile experiences. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deep and full sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with nylon offering a more muted sound compared to polycarbonate's clarity.
Both the Ice King Linear and the Outemu Tom switches feature nylon bottom housings, providing a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, contributing to a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile when using either switch. However, it is worth noting that while the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as the Ice King Linear and the Outemu Tom, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This distribution results in a combination of sound profiles and tactile sensations depending on whether a key is pressed or released. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is complemented by the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches can significantly affect the sound and feel of typing, making it essential for users to consider their preferences when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Outemu Tom switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Ice King is slightly lighter overall. For those who prefer a light and smooth typing experience, the Ice King may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Tom switch might be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on individual preference 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 Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Ice King Linear offers a bit more depth with its 3.5 mm travel distance, providing a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's 3.3 mm travel distance may feel slightly more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the level of responsiveness and depth desired in a keyboard switch.
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 Tom 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 Ice King Linear switch is known for its subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is highly praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance. The Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have specific descriptions available regarding its typing feel. However, based on the comparison of the Ice King Linear switch, it can be inferred that the typing experience of the Tom switch may not be as smooth and refined.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless typing feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if the tactile feedback is more important to you and you are willing to compromise on the sound and feel aspects, the Outemu Tom tactile switch could still provide a satisfactory typing experience. Ultimately, understanding your preferences and priorities in terms of sound and feel will help you make the best decision when choosing between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you value a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Ice King Linear is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile feel with no specified bottom out force, then the Tom tactile switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will best enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Linear and the Tom tactile switch will depend on what specific feel and sound profile you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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