Durock Ice King Linear vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a frictionless and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura stands out for its tactile feedback, offering a snappy response and a buttery downstroke that is both pronounced and balanced. While the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky' and 'Creamy', the Purple Sakura is characterized as 'Buttery' and 'Snappy'. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is evident that the Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Purple Sakura uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, as it is stiffer and more resonant than nylon. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switch that the Ice King Linear's solid nylon housing lacks.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the difference lies in the top housing material, with the Ice King Linear using nylon and the Purple Sakura using polycarbonate. This variation in housing materials impacts the sound and feel of typing on the switches, as the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura's top housing results in a clearer and more resonant sound, contrasting with the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon housing in the Ice King Linear. However, both switches ultimately provide a deep and full sound profile due to the nylon material shared in their bottom housing.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Ice King Linear and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura significantly impacts the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element that the Ice King Linear lacks. Overall, the selection of housing materials in these switches demonstrates how material choice plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of force. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear is slightly heavier both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Purple Sakura. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Purple Sakura may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ice King Linear might be the preferred choice. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a satisfactory typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the amount of key travel - with the Ice King Linear offering slightly more depth and the Purple Sakura providing a slightly more shallow feel.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Purple Sakura switch is noted for its buttery, mild, and snappy feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is gentle and responsive. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with their unique tactile properties.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear provides a more subdued sound and silky smooth typing experience, the Purple Sakura offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery tactile feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a more subdued and smooth feel or a neutral and buttery tactile response, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with their unique qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the Ice King Linear and Purple Sakura switches will come down to individual preference and the desired typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a slightly subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, along with a neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, both the Ice King Linear and the Purple Sakura offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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