Durock Ice King Linear vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two standout options to choose from. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, providing a frictionless and creamy feel categorized by terms such as 'Silky' and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is praised for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It is described as 'Subdued' and 'Buttery', with a snappy yet mild feel. Both switches have their unique advantages and characteristics. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
Overall, when comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, the key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for the top housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. This distinction in housing material affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in top housing material, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This similarity in bottom housing material may lead to comparable results in terms of overall typing experience, with the differences in sound profiles mainly coming from the top housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent feel across the board. Whether you prefer a softer, more rounded sound or a sharper, more resonant sound will determine which switch is the better fit for your typing needs.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find that the Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 62 grams, also classified as medium. In terms of weight, the Ice King is lighter than the Semi-Silent Linear, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use. However, for those who seek a more substantial typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear might be the better choice due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottom out force, providing a medium typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Ice King Linear offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the specific use case, as both options offer a slightly different 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as producing a subdued sound when pressed. This means that they offer a dampened, subtle sound signature compared to most switches, making them suitable for quiet environments. However, the Semi-Silent Linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch also depends on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a more alive feel. Both switches have qualities that appeal to users looking for a smooth and polished typing experience, but they differ slightly in terms of the overall feel and responsiveness.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a smooth typing experience with subdued sound profiles. The Ice King Linear switch focuses on providing a frictionless and creamy feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. Depending on personal preference for feel and sound, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking for a linear switch option. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preferences in terms of feel and sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you value a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a mild feel and subtle sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear could be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound signature. You can't go wrong with either choice, as they both provide unique characteristics for a satisfying typing experience.
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