Durock Ice King Linear vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, offering a frictionless and subdued feel while typing. In contrast, the Polaris Purple stands out for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Ice King being categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Polished', and the Polaris Purple as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'. 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
The Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic makeup. While both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they both play a crucial role in determining the sound output of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer similar properties with the Ice King Linear featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Polaris Purple using a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. However, the slight differences in their stiffness can impact the overall resonance and clarity of the sound produced. Despite these nuances, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel when typing, demonstrating the importance of both housing materials working together harmoniously.
While the Durock Ice King Linear and SP-Star Polaris Purple may have different top and bottom housing materials, they ultimately work together to deliver a balanced and unique sound profile. The split between the qualities of each housing material allows for a more dynamic typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the nylon top and bottom housing of the Ice King Linear or the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Polaris Purple, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound characteristics of a switch.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams, while the Polaris Purple needs 67 grams, making it the heavier of the two. The medium actuation force of the Ice King provides a balanced typing experience, offering a decent amount of resistance without being too strenuous. On the other hand, the medium-heavy bottom out force of the Polaris Purple provides a more solid and satisfying keystroke, ideal for those looking for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Ice King offering a lighter typing experience for extended periods, and the Polaris Purple providing a heavier and more substantial feel for typing enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Purple. A shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth in their typing experience. Both switches offer different benefits based on individual preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and needs.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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, providing a dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate level that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing sensation that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. Both switches emphasize a smooth and sleek typing experience with reduced friction, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is popular for its silky smooth typing experience, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch stands out for its exhilarating tactile bump. If you prefer a linear switch with a subdued sound and a range of smooth feel options, the Ice King Linear is a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a neutral sound profile and a more gentle typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer quality features that can enhance your typing experience, providing satisfying results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy sound profile, then the Polaris Purple could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
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