Durock Ice King Linear vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Seashell mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, creating a frictionless and subdued feel. On the other hand, the Seashell switches are visually captivating with a stunning purple hue, offering a light and clacky typing experience that is easy to press and remains comfortable even during extended typing sessions. While the Ice King Linear leans towards a creamy and polished feel, the Seashell switches are described as feathery, high-pitched, and clacky. Therefore, choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
While both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Seashell utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and resonant sound. This difference in top housing material highlights the importance of material choice in influencing the overall sound of a switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Ice King Linear and the Seashell opt for nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. This consistency in bottom housing material showcases how nylon can contribute to the overall typing experience, regardless of the top housing material chosen. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the top housing can significantly impact the sound profile and typing feel of a switch, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Durock Ice King Linear and Jerrzi Seashell highlights the importance of material choice in affecting the sound profile and overall typing experience of a switch. While both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate in the Ice King Linear and Seashell offer users unique sound profiles to choose from. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound with nylon or a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate, each housing material brings its own characteristics to the typing experience, allowing users to customize their switch to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a heavier actuation force at 52 grams compared to the Seashell's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams while the Seashell's force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Ice King provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Seashell's lighter actuation force may appeal to those who type for extended periods and prefer a lighter touch. Overall, the decision between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Seashell a popular choice in that regard. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, opting for the slightly longer travel distance of the Ice King for a more substantial keypress feel. In general, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of keypress sensation.
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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Ice King Linear would be more suitable, while the Seashell switch would appeal to those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is acclaimed for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Ice King Linear focuses on a smooth and luxurious feel, while the Seashell switch prioritizes lightness and ease of pressing.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences with their own unique qualities. The Ice King Linear excels in providing a smooth and refined sound experience, while the Seashell switch stands out for its light and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the subdued and silky Ice King Linear or the clacky and feathery Seashell switch to enhance your keyboard typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to cater to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts, delivering a satisfying typing experience that suits your personal taste.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a switch with no specified bottom out force, a stunning purple aesthetic, and a light and clacky typing feel with a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, then the Jerrzi Seashell may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and aesthetic preferences. Choose the switch that best aligns with what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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