Durock Ice King Linear vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and Huano Sakura both offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smoothness and subdued feedback, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, creating a frictionless and creamy feel that many typists find irresistible. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura stands out with its feather-light actuation force and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions and prefer a tactile experience without overwhelming noise. Both switches excel in their unique ways—whether you prioritize the refined, polished touch of the Ice King or the lighter, quieter feel of the Sakura—but each brings something special to the table. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Sakura switches display significant differences in their top housing materials, which directly influence their auditory and tactile feedback. The Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing that is characterized by its softer composition, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller yet more rounded auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer a muted keystroke. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK top housing, celebrated for its smoothness and slightly higher friction coefficient compared to nylon. Despite being stronger and more durable, the POK material results in a different auditory experience, yielding a sharper, clacky sound that might attract users looking for a more pronounced keystroke feedback.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, an interesting similarity is noted: both the Ice King Linear and the Sakura utilize nylon materials. This commonality results in comparable acoustic profiles, wherein the sound produced upon bottoming out is similarly deep and full due to nylon's inherent properties. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound impression when the key is pressed down, users can anticipate a consistent auditory experience from both switches despite the differences in their top housings. This reflects how the choice of bottom housing can mitigate variations contributed by the top housing.
In summary, while the Ice King Linear and the Huano Sakura exhibit contrasting top housing materials that lead to differing sound profiles, they converge on their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, lending a deep and rounded sound to the actuation and bottoming out phase. Users who appreciate the fulfilling sound of nylon will find satisfaction with both switches. Yet, those who lean towards a more crisp auditory feedback might resonate more with the Sakura's POK top, despite the similar acoustic qualities shared in the bottom housing. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences in terms of sound, they share enough similarities to appeal to an array of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, providing a stronger and more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. As such, if you're looking for a lighter switch that facilitates less finger fatigue, the Sakura is the better choice, while those desiring a firmer push feel may lean towards the heavier Ice King. These differences highlight how the switches cater to varied user preferences regarding lightness and feedback in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a distinct difference is apparent. The Ice King Linear features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, the Ice King switch may be the more suitable option due to its shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Sakura switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding travel distance, with the Ice King offering a more immediate response and the Sakura allowing for a deeper typing experience.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura 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 comparing the sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Ice King is known for its subdued acoustics. This means that while it does produce sound, it is relatively dampened and not overpowering, making it suitable for environments where noise level is a consideration. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Sakura switch are not specified, so its auditory experience remains unknown. However, since sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, both switches may still yield similar results depending on the overall setup.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Ice King Linear is highly regarded for its exceptionally smooth typing experience. The descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished illustrate a high level of refinement and ease when using this switch, allowing for a pleasurable and effortless keystroke. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Huano Sakura linear switch are not provided, leaving a gap when it comes to comparisons. Nonetheless, assuming both switches are linear, users can still expect a reasonably smooth experience, albeit the Ice King’s superior lubrication and material composition may provide a distinct advantage in terms of tactile fluidity.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out with its subdued sound and luxurious feel, characterized by a silky, frictionless typing experience thanks to its thoughtful design and factory lube. The Huano Sakura linear switch's sound and feel, however, remain less defined, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons without additional information. For someone seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Ice King may be the clear winner, but if both are linear switches, users could find a satisfying typing experience in either option, with the Ice King likely providing an edge in overall enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Sakura linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you gravitate towards a smoother, silkier typing experience with a bit more resistance—ideal for those who enjoy a substantial key feel—the Ice King Linear is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams paired with its silky and frictionless characteristics make it a superb option for both casual and intensive type usage, especially if you appreciate a subduded sound profile that doesn't draw attention. Conversely, if you prefer a feather-light touch with lower resistance and softer bottom-out at just 45 grams, the Huano Sakura might suit you better. Its lighter actuation force is perfect for marathon typing sessions where comfort is key, and its medium acoustics provide a balanced auditory experience. Therefore, consider your typing style, how much resistance you enjoy, and the overall feel you desire in a switch when making your choice between these two excellent options.
Mentioned in this article
