Durock Ice King Linear vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches are favored for their bouncy feel and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Ice King Linear is described as 'silky' and 'subdued', the Polaris Gray is characterized as 'low-pitched' and 'thocky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it suitable for specific typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the contrary, the Polaris Gray incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to varying preferences.
Furthermore, the bottom housings of the Ice King Linear and Polaris Gray also feature distinct materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile, complementing its polycarbonate top housing. These differences in bottom housing materials further distinguish the sound profiles of the two switches, providing users with a range of options based on their sound preferences.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Gray showcases the impact that material composition can have on sound profiles. While the Ice King Linear emphasizes a softer nylon material for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper sound profile, the Polaris Gray utilizes a stiffer polycarbonate material for a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to individual preferences, showcasing the versatility and customization options available in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we see some differences. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unknown and bottom out force is 67 grams. The Ice King Linear is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback for different user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Polaris Gray's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Polaris Gray switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 offers a subdued sound profile, making it a quieter option that still provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch emits a low-pitched and thocky sound, offering a more bass-heavy and rich auditory feedback. Both switches provide a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences, with the Ice King being more subdued and the Polaris Gray being more robust and clacky.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is renowned for its silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless keypress. It provides a polished feel that minimizes resistance and enhances typing comfort. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, catering to individuals who prefer a gentler keypress. Both switches offer a smooth and refined feel, with the Ice King being more luxurious and the Polaris Gray being more approachable in terms of typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Ice King provides a subdued and silky experience, the Polaris Gray offers a low-pitched and thocky sound with a mild and polished typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a quieter, luxurious experience or a more robust, approachable feel, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switches could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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