Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Poro both promise a luxurious typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth feel, achieved through a full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, creating a typing experience that is described as subdued, creamy, and polished. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a quiet and refined keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Poro stands out with its ultra-light actuation force and a satisfyingly poppy sound profile, allowing for a more lively typing experience. Its meticulous lubrication ensures an effortless glide, appealing to those who enjoy a switch that balances smoothness with a bit of acoustic feedback. Each switch offers unique benefits, making them suitable for different types of typists. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Poro switches are strikingly similar, as both models make use of nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material brings a classic reputation to both switches, contributing to the overall typing experience. The use of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a notable feature in both cases. As nylon is a softer plastic, it possesses sound-absorbing qualities that diminish the sharper impacts associated with harder materials. As a result, both the Ice King Linear and the HMX Poro are designed to produce a duller and rounder sound when typing, enhancing the auditory satisfaction of the user.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches are made from the same nylon material, their impacts on the typing experience can differ slightly due to their positions within the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, which means that the nuances of tactile feedback may come through differently based on minute differences in design, should they exist. On the other hand, the top housing significantly influences the sound that resonates when a key is released. In both cases, the nylon's properties ensure a consistent sound profile across the action of key presses, establishing a uniform auditory experience regardless of slight variances in switch design.
Ultimately, users can expect a similar performance from both Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Poro switches due to their shared housing materials. The characteristics of the nylon used in both the top and bottom housings will provide a cohesive sound experience, producing a pleasant and muted acoustic response. This similarity will ensure that, whether using Ice King Linear or HMX Poro switches, typists will enjoy a satisfying auditory experience characterized by fullness and depth, which is particularly appealing for those seeking a refined typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Poro switch more appealing due to its lower actuation force. Meanwhile, the Ice King Linear’s heavier forces may satisfy those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, those searching for a blend of comfort over long periods and a more substantial feedback should weigh these differences based on their personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Ice King stands at 3.5 mm, while the Poro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ice King the shorter option, appealing to gamers who prefer quicker response times and more responsive keystrokes. In contrast, the Poro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a deeper key press, offering a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor a quicker, more responsive experience or a more pronounced key depth.
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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized as subdued, providing a dampened audio feedback that is both pleasant and discreet. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, as it minimizes the noise of keystrokes without being completely silent. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is noted for its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which, together with its ultra-light actuation force, can provide a livelier audio experience when typing. While the Ice King may charm those looking for a more muted approach, the Poro caters to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback with their keystrokes. That said, both switches can be affected by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can impact their overall sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear delivers a remarkably smooth experience, attributed to descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. Each of these qualities contributes to minimizing any sense of resistance, allowing for effortless key presses that glide seamlessly into each keystroke. The factory lubrication enhances this experience, making it feel refined and luxurious under your fingers. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Poro is not specified in the available information, leaving its tactile sensations rather open-ended. However, considering that it is also marketed for its smooth keystrokes and is meticulously lubricated, one might expect it to offer a comparable level of comfort, albeit with its unique character that could lean toward a more lively typing experience.
In summary, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Poro linear switches offer appealing qualities for users seeking linear switches, but they cater to different preferences in sound and potentially feel. The Ice King’s subdued sound and exceptionally smooth typing characteristics make it ideal for quieter environments, while the Poro’s poppy and clacky sound can bring vibrancy to the typing experience. Although the feel of the Poro remains unknown, its intent of facilitating smooth keystrokes suggests it may still meet high standards of comfort akin to the Ice King. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your personal priorities, be it sound profile or tactile satisfaction, but either switch can provide a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Poro linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile. If you favor a medium bottom-out force and are seeking a luxurious typing experience characterized by a silky, frictionless, and creamy feel, the Ice King Linear is your best bet. Its subdued sound also makes it an excellent choice for quieter environments, where you want a smooth and refined typing experience without drawing too much attention. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a satisfyingly poppy sound when you type, the HMX Poro switch might be the better option for you. This switch offers an effortless glide, making it ideal for long typing sessions or for gaming, where quick key presses are essential. Ultimately, evaluating the atmosphere in which you will be using your keyboard and how you like your key presses to feel will guide you in making the right decision that aligns with your unique typing style.
Mentioned in this article
