Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standouts in the linear category are the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Ice King Linears are celebrated for their silky smooth typing experience, thanks to their full nylon construction and generous factory lube, creating a frictionless and polished feel that caters to those who prioritize a subdued and creamy touch. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a satisfying medium-weight response, combining affordability with impressive quality. Its all-POM composition contributes to a distinctive thocky sound profile while still delivering exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and sound, the choice ultimately comes down to personal typing style and desired experience. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both utilize different housing materials that influence their sound and feel characteristics, showcasing the nuanced differences that can be achieved through various designs. The Ice King Linear employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This traditional material is known for its softer texture, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. When typing on the Ice King, users will notice that the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities result in a rounded auditory experience that is complemented by the substantial feel of the switch. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's use of POM (Polyoxymethylene) in both the top and bottom housings gives rise to its distinctive sound. While also producing a deeper tone, POM emphasizes a more muted and unique sound profile, which may differ notably in auditory characteristics compared to the Ice King's nylon housing.
Although composed of different materials, both switches seek to create a satisfying auditory experience rooted in depth and richness. The Ice King Linear, with its nylon construction, benefits from the material’s inherent ability to absorb sound, leading to a typing experience that is softer and more rounded when the key is released. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM houses contribute to a smoother, more defined sound that is still deep but slightly less resonant due to its unique plastic composition. This difference means that while both switches can achieve pleasing sound profiles, their methods of accomplishing this diverge, aiming for varied auditory experiences that resonate differently with typists.
Furthermore, the impact of each housing material on the feel of the switch is also critical to understanding their differences. In the Ice King Linear, the nylon housing not only influences the sound but also contributes to a certain tactile softness during key presses, enhancing the overall user experience. In contrast, the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie, while still providing a pleasant experience, has a different impact in terms of feel—potentially leading to a crisper bottom-out experience. Thus, while both switches are able to provide fulfilling sound profiles suitable for typing and gaming, the nuances of their materials mean that the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will convey different feelings and acoustic qualities, giving users distinct options depending on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams, which positions it in the medium range, making it suitable for typists who enjoy a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to users who prefer less resistance while typing, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming. Regarding bottom out forces, the Ice King Linear features a measurable bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating the resistance felt when fully pressing the key down. The bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, preventing a direct comparison. Overall, while the Ice King Linear is heavier with a tangible bottom out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, potentially offering a more effortless typing experience, provided that its bottom out characteristics are suitable for the user’s preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Durock Ice King has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie measures at 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Ice King is the shorter of the two, providing a slightly more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers and those looking for rapid key actuations. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie, at 3.7 mm, offers a more pronounced depth, which can contribute to a satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a less abrupt feel when typing. Therefore, your choice between these switches should reflect your preference for either shorter, quicker responses or a deeper, more robust key press.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This quality may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the auditory feedback that comes with mechanical switches. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie remains unspecified, meaning it's difficult to establish a direct comparison. However, it's worth noting that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycaps used, so users may still achieve a pleasing auditory result with either option depending on their keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear stands out for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, marked by descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These characteristics suggest that the Ice King Linear offers a fluid, enjoyable keystroke with minimal resistance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize typing comfort. On the other hand, the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie is not detailed, leaving uncertainty about its texture and typing qualities. While the Ice King Linear clearly provides a superior tactile experience, it’s important to recognize that individual preferences can influence how a switch feels during use.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is celebrated for its subdued sound profile and remarkable smoothness, making it an appealing choice for typists seeking comfort and quietude. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's auditory qualities remain unknown, its medium-weight construction suggests it may offer a unique experience as well, especially given its name that implies quality. If sound is a primary concern, users may want to consider their keyboard setup, as this can dramatically alter the final auditory experience with either switch. Ultimately, both switches bring distinct qualities to the table; the Ice King Linear clearly stands out for those focused on a smooth and quiet experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie remains an intriguing option awaiting further exploration.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, your choice should depend on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you desire a smooth and luxurious feel while typing, the Ice King Linear, with its silky, frictionless, and creamy design, combined with factory lubrication, is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those looking for a compact yet refined feel with minimal resistance, making it perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, its subdued sound profile means it won’t disturb those around you, which can be a significant advantage in shared workspaces or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a satisfying typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be your go-to. While its bottom-out force is less clearly defined and its sound profile is less described, it is marketed as a quality switch that offers a thocky sound and a smooth feel, allowing you to enjoy a pleasing auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what factors are most important to you—whether it be the luxurious feel and quiet operation of the Ice King, or the value and satisfactory sound of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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