Durock Ice King Linear vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the pros and cons of different options. The Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out for its silky smooth typing experience, characterized by a full nylon construction and generous factory lube that offers a frictionless and polished feel. This makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a subdued, creamy typing experience without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch emphasizes a blend of smooth operation and a satisfying, deep sound, delivering a balanced typing experience that appeals to both precision-focused typists and those who appreciate auditory feedback. Furthermore, the Rice Pudding is compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, enhancing its appeal for gamers and performance enthusiasts alike. While the Ice King Linear offers a luxurious and effortless typing experience, the Rice Pudding provides versatility and a satisfying acoustic profile. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, one notable difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer properties, which allow it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As polycarbonate is a harder material, it resonates differently than nylon, offering a clearer and more dynamic sound, particularly appealing for users who prefer an engaging acoustic feedback when typing.
However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, thereby sharing a common characteristic that affects the overall sound and feel during use. The deeper sound profile attributed to the Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing aligns with that of the Rice Pudding, which also benefits from the acoustic properties of nylon. This means that while the Ice King Linear provides a distinctly rounder sound from its nylon top, the Rice Pudding's bottom housing offers a similar foundational acoustic experience due to its use of the same material. Consequently, both switches can deliver a comparable bottom-out sound characterized by a fuller and more substantial feel when pressed, despite their differing top housing materials.
In summary, the Ice King Linear and the Rice Pudding switches exemplify two different design philosophies through their varying top housing materials—with nylon fostering a muted, deeper sound in the former and polycarbonate enabling a bright, resonant output in the latter. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a coherent feel and sound foundation during key presses. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback on bottoming out, contributing to a satisfying typing experience, regardless of the variance at the key's upper end.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter profile makes it an ideal choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. Essentially, users who appreciate a more tactile and heavier feel might lean towards the Ice King, while those looking for a lighter touch may find the Rice Pudding more suitable. Overall, if you are seeking a more relaxed typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding is the better option, while the Durock Ice King appeals to those desiring a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity means that when pressed, users will experience the same amount of key travel, resulting in comparable tactile feedback and actuation response. Since both switches have the same travel distance, enthusiasts can expect similar performance characteristics regarding how far down the key must be pressed to register an input. Ultimately, using either switch would yield an equivalent experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 has a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise upon activation. This quality gives it a more discreet acoustic footprint compared to many other switches on the market, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise management is preferred. The sound characteristics of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch are currently unknown, but it is noted that these switches deliver a deep sound, suggesting a full, rich auditory experience. Keep in mind that the perceived sound can greatly vary based on the keyboard’s build, keycap materials, and overall construction, which adds another layer of complexity to the sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch truly excels, offering a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience. The combination of full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication results in a typing sensation that feels both effortless and satisfying, minimizing any resistance during keystrokes. The polished texture further enhances the smoothness and refined finish, making it a highly pleasant switch to type on. Specific details regarding the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are not provided, leaving a gap in understanding how they might compare to the Ice King Linear in this aspect.
In conclusion, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch presents a clear picture with its subdued sound and exceptional smoothness, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers potential intrigue with its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and its promises of smooth operation. However, without specific descriptive qualities regarding its sound and feel, it's challenging to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, for a newcomer, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Ice King Linear is a strong contender, while the Rice Pudding may offer unique advantages for those exploring innovative keyboard technologies, warranting a closer examination upon availability of further details.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force, a silky smooth feel, and a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear is a fantastic choice. It excels in offering a luxurious typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it ideal for long typing sessions and creating a satisfying tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with less resistance, the Rice Pudding switch might be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, its precision and satisfying auditory feedback cater well to those who enjoy a brisk and engaging typing experience, especially if you value compatibility with Wooting's keyboards. In short, if you're looking for a refined, smooth experience with a bit of weight, go for the Ice King Linear; but if you favor a lighter, more responsive feel that's versatile in various setups, the Rice Pudding is the way to go.
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