Durock Ice King Linear vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it feel frictionless and polished. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a bouncy and approachable typing sensation. While the Ice King Linear is known for its subdued and creamy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches have their unique strengths, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear utilizes both nylon top and bottom housings, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing materials. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Ice King Linear's nylon housing does not provide the translucency that polycarbonate offers in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Polycarbonate's clear housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually dynamic element to the switch design. While both materials bring unique sound profiles to the switches, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate may depend on personal preference for sound characteristics and the desire for RGB customization in the overall keyboard setup.
Ultimately, regardless of the housing material used, both the Ice King Linear and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The split between nylon and polycarbonate housings in each switch may result in different tactile and auditory feedback when using the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the softer, fuller sound of nylon or the crisper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is slightly heavier at 52 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch at 48 grams. Both switches have a medium level bottom out force, with the Ice King Linear requiring 62 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring needing 55 grams. The Ice King Linear provides a bit more resistance for a stronger typing feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, while the Ice King Linear may suit those who prefer a bit more resistance for a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. The difference may not be significant, but for some users, it could impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, may opt for the Ice King Linear for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper keypress may lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
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) Single 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) Single 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This contributes to a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch features a deep and thocky sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing. Depending on personal preference and setup, both switches can provide an enjoyable acoustic experience, with the Ice King Linear leaning towards a more subtle sound and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offering a deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is renowned for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors point towards an exceptionally smooth, effortless, and luxurious feel when typing with this switch. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is characterized by a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds liveliness to keystrokes. Both switches offer distinct tactile properties that cater to different typing preferences, with the Ice King Linear focusing on smoothness and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring emphasizing rebound.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a deeper sound profile and a bouncier feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for users depending on their preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a subdued and silky feel or a deep and bouncy tactile experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom-out force and a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, along with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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