Durock Ice King Linear vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and Akko Rosewood present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky, frictionless feel, largely attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, offering a polished typing experience that many gamers and typists have come to adore. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches are known for their deep, satisfying thocky sound, delivering an auditory pleasure that can enhance the overall typing experience right out of the box, thanks to their carefully applied lubricant. While the Ice King caters to those prioritizing a seamless and fluid keystroke, the Rosewood appeals to users who delight in tactile feedback and a rich sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
40g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon
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 Durock Ice King Linear and Akko Rosewood switches exhibit striking similarities in their housing materials, with both utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic material in the realm of mechanical switches, praised for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both the Ice King Linear and Rosewood switches offer a similar auditory experience, boasting a rounder and less harsh sound when typing, thanks to their identical material make-up.
While the housing materials for both switches are the same, the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience is nuanced. The Ice King Linear’s bottom housing will contribute significantly to the overall bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound upon releasing the key. Given that both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom, users can expect a refined sound signature throughout the entire keypress—characterized by the dampened tones produced by the nylon material. This means that while the switches may differ in other respects, such as weight or actuation force, when it comes to sound quality, both models will deliver a similar performance attributable to their identical housing materials.
In summary, the consistent use of nylon in both the Durock Ice King Linear and Akko Rosewood switches ensures that typists will experience comparable sound profiles and typing sensations. The tactile feedback, paired with the sonic properties imparted by the nylon, enhances the overall user experience. If users prioritize a softer sound and enhanced acoustic qualities in their typing experience, either switch will serve them well due to the analogous effects of nylon in the switch architecture. Thus, aficionados can choose between the two based on factors like design or brand preference, secure in the knowledge that the key performance aspects relating to sound will be quite similar.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and Akko Rosewood linear switches, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom-out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming will find the Rosewood more suitable, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier Ice King. The differing actuation forces indicate that the response of the Rosewood switch will feel softer and easier to press, whereas the Ice King's stronger resistance may offer a more tactile experience. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter switch for comfort, the Akko Rosewood is the ideal choice, whereas the Durock Ice King provides a firmer feel that some users may find gratifying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Ice King Linear measuring 3.5 mm and the Rosewood featuring a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Ice King may be preferable, particularly for gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Rosewood's travel distance offers a more traditional depth, which might appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience when pressing keys. In summary, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is shorter, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch is longer, allowing for different user preferences in terms of actuation and tactile feedback.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is notably silent, providing a quiet typing experience that many users find appealing in office or shared environments. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a more discreet approach to typing without disturbing others nearby. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a different auditory experience characterized by a deep, satisfying thocky sound produced straight out of the box, attributed to the factory-applied lubricant. While both switches can yield delightful sounds, particularly depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice, the Ice King’s silent nature contrasts sharply with the Rosewood’s resonant acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Linear excels with its silky smoothness, frictionless travel, creamy texture, and polished finish. Typers can expect an exceptionally fluid experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall comfort while typing, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Conversely, while details about the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch are not specified, its reputation suggests it offers a pleasant typing experience as well, though specifics are lacking for a direct comparison. The silky, frictionless nature of the Ice King sets a high bar, but the Rosewood’s feel remains a mystery that could surprise users.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Ice King Linear and Akko Rosewood switches offer distinct experiences, their differences are pronounced in sound and feel. The Ice King appeals to those seeking silence and a top-tier smooth typing experience, whereas the Rosewood caters to users who enjoy that deep thocky sound. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on the type of auditory feedback and tactile response desired, but both switches promise quality performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Ice King Linear switches and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you desire a switch that provides a medium actuation force with a silky, frictionless feel, the Ice King Linear is an excellent option. Its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication contribute to an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter actuation force that delivers a deep, thocky sound, the Rosewood switch is your best bet. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, it caters to those looking for a responsive switch that offers satisfying acoustic feedback right out of the box. In essence, you should choose the Ice King Linear for its smoothness and heavier feel if you enjoy a more robust typing experience, while the Rosewood is suited for you if you appreciate a lighter switch with a rich sound profile. Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, so consider your own typing style and sound preference when making your decision.
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