Durock Ice King Linear vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of feel, sound, and performance, making the choice between options like the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll intriguing. The Ice King Linear, crafted from full nylon and generously factory-lubed, offers a silky smooth typing experience that many users find appealing for both gaming and typing. Its characteristics are often described as frictionless and polished, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a soft and refined keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll showcases a Y3 stem that enhances the smoothness of travel while its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to a distinct clacky sound that can add a unique auditory experience for typists who enjoy a bit more feedback with each keypress. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Ice King offers a refined and muted feel, while the Ragdoll brings a more tactile and audible sensation to the mix. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon for their switch housings, which is a staple material in the keyboard industry due to its favorable acoustic properties. The nylon used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely because it is a softer plastic compared to alternatives like ABS or polycarbonate. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing. Users can expect a similar aural signature from both switches, as they fundamentally share the same material characteristics that dictate their sound profiles.
When examining the housing construction, both the Ice King Linear and the Ragdoll feature nylon in both their top and bottom housings. This consistency means that the characteristics that provide a softer bottom-out sound and the muted release of the key press will be equally present in both switches. The impact of the bottom housing will influence the key feel and sound when bottoming out, while the top housing is more responsible for the sound profile during the release. The result is that both switches can deliver a similar typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback, thanks to their identical material choices.
While the housing material is the same, the overall performance and feel of the switches can also be affected by other factors such as spring design and keycap compatibility, which might differ between the Ice King Linear and the Ragdoll. However, if both switches share the same characteristics in terms of housing material, they will likely produce comparable sound profiles and tactile experiences. Therefore, potential users looking for muted acoustics and pleasant tactile sensations can realistically expect similar outcomes from both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll, knowing that the nylon housings play a significant role in delivering that experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch present distinct actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different preferences among users. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the Ragdoll switch requires less effort to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as users might experience less fatigue with the lighter switch. On the other hand, the Ice King, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial feel, favoring those who appreciate a stronger push while typing. Thus, while both switches can offer satisfying experiences depending on user preference, the Ragdoll clearly stands out as the lighter option, whereas the Ice King is the heavier of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it is clear that the two have distinct measurements. The Durock Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Consequently, those who prefer a more responsive feel and quicker key actuation may find the Ice King Linear to be more suitable due to its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance. On the other hand, the Ragdoll, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate the sensation of deeper key presses, offering a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, individuals looking for enhanced responsiveness should opt for the Ice King Linear, while those who enjoy a deeper key travel may prefer the Ragdoll.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 switches are characterized by a subdued profile, producing a dampened sound upon actuation. Compared to many other switches on the market, this results in a typing experience that is not entirely silent but offers a more subtle auditory signature, making it suitable for quieter environments or for users who prefer less noise while typing. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch are currently unknown, which leaves a gap in comparing their acoustic profiles. It's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can also vary greatly based on other factors such as the choice of keyboard, mounting method, and keycap material.
The feel of the Ice King Linear is where it truly shines, offering a remarkable typing experience with descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. This intricate combination indicates that the switches are designed to minimize resistance and provide a smooth and effortless actuation, allowing for fluid finger movement across the keys. The generous factory lubing contributes significantly to this buttery feel, making it seem as though users are gliding over the keys. The Bsun Ragdoll’s feel attributes, however, are unknown, meaning it’s difficult to directly compare the tactile experience one would have while typing.
In summary, while the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer a subdued sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches lack detailed information regarding their sound and feel. If you're seeking a switch with a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Ice King Linears certainly stand out. However, without specific descriptors for the Ragdoll switches, we cannot ascertain how they might compare in terms of sound and feel. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a balance of performance and subtlety, the Ice King may be the better choice based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, your choice should hinge on what kind of typing experience you desire. If you prefer a more robust typing feel with a medium bottom-out force and a series of tactile elements that enhance fluidity, the Ice King Linear will likely be your best fit. Its silky, frictionless, and creamy characteristics provide a smooth and polished typing experience, making it ideal for those who type extensively or simply enjoy the sensation of gliding across the keys. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a bit lighter and potentially a bit more pronounced in sound with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Ragdoll could be the way to go. Its unique Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass housing deliver a satisfying clacky sound, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Thus, your choice ultimately depends on whether you want a muted, luxurious feel with the Ice King or a lighter, more resonant touch with the Ragdoll.
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