Durock Ice King Linear vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subdued and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch stands out for its medium-high level of tactility, provided by its unique two-staged spring design, resulting in deep and resonating thocks while typing. This switch is favored by individuals who enjoy a clacky and sharp typing sensation. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is clear that they use different materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer plastic's clarity and resonant properties. While both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials, they achieve this through different means, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Ice King Linear and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both switches share a common goal of improving sound and feel during typing. The use of nylon in the Ice King Linear's housing provides a duller and rounder sound profile, while polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's housing delivers a clearer and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switch. While the housing materials may differ, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences and typing experiences.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is evident in how the sound profiles are affected based on whether the material is used for the top or bottom housing. The qualities of the polycarbonate or nylon material will be felt differently depending on which part of the switch is being engaged - the bottom housing is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, both the Ice King Linear and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are able to tailor the typing experience to suit the preferences of users seeking a specific sound and feel in their mechanical switches.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ice King being slightly lighter at 52 grams actuation and 62 grams bottom out, compared to the Shadow (Ink) at 55 grams actuation and 63 grams bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium force category. The Ice King provides a slightly lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) offers a slightly heavier push feel, which some may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer different travel distances that cater to individual preferences, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for responsiveness or 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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 known for its subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when typing. Depending on personal preference, the Ice King Linear switch would provide a quieter and more understated typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced and crisp typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch offers a silky, frictionless, and polished typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, providing a high level of tactility with a distinct tactile bump and responsive feedback. The Ice King Linear switch would appeal to those looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would suit individuals seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that they offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear switch provides a subdued and silky typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch delivers a clacky and sharp typing feel with medium-high tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and tactile feedback. However, it is essential to note that both switches can provide excellent performance and satisfaction depending on the user's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, opt for the Ice King Linear switch. However, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. The Ice King Linear offers a frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and level of tactility.
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