Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between performance and sound profile, especially when comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Ice King Linears are renowned for providing a silky smooth typing experience thanks to their full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, appealing to users who appreciate a frictionless and subdued feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switches offer a whisper-quiet performance with a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, making them ideal for typists who want a light and satisfying feel without the disruptive noise, akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. While both switches cater to specific user preferences—smoothness versus sound dampening—understanding their unique characteristics will help you make a more informed choice. 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
53g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing nylon, which is regarded as a traditional choice in switch design. The use of nylon for the top housing contributes to a typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer attributes, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing, leading to a satisfying and muted sound signature that many users appreciate for their everyday typing tasks. In this regard, typists can expect a similar performance in terms of acoustic qualities from both switches.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ significantly, a factor that plays a crucial role in determining their overall sound profiles. The Ice King Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which maintains the same deep and rounded auditory characteristics as its top counterpart. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its stiffer composition. This choice results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile, highlighting an increased clarity during typing. The difference in materials between the two switches implies that while both share the same sound-enhancing top housing, their sound profiles as a whole may diverge due to the distinct properties of their bottom housings.
When considering the combined effects of the housing materials, it becomes evident that the typing experience will vary between these two switches due to their differing bottom materials. The Ice King Linear's nylon bottom provides a cohesive sound across both the bottom and top of the switch, creating a harmonious auditory experience that emphasizes fullness. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g's polycarbonate bottom will contribute a sharper quality during key presses, especially notable in the bottom-out sound and feel. This highlights how the top and bottom housing materials work in tandem to shape the overall sound and experience, wherein switches with similar top housings can create comparable auditory results but may diverge in tactile feel and sound due to differing bottom materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Thus, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch overall, offering a more effortless keystroke ideal for long typing sessions and extensive gaming. In contrast, the heavier Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Although both switches have their unique strengths, the Ice King Linear's greater actuation and bottom out forces suggest it may require more effort, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer feedback during typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ice King Linear the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience and a sense of depth that some users prefer. Therefore, for those who appreciate a snappier keystroke, the Ice King Linear would be the recommended choice, whereas those who favor a more substantial depth might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura - 53g.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its subdued acoustic profile. This means that while it isn't completely silent, the sound it generates when pressed is dampened, creating a more pleasant and subtle experience compared to many other mechanical switches. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the gentle tapping of raindrops against a window. The Silent Sakura’s focus on noise reduction suggests it offers even less auditory feedback than the Ice King, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a serene typing environment.
Regarding feel, the Durock Ice King Linear boasts a host of descriptors that highlight its luxurious typing experience. It is celebrated for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished nature, which culminates in a smooth and effortless keystroke. These qualities are largely attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a highly refined tactile sensation. The feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is less documented, but it is engineered to deliver a balanced typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force. Therefore, while you may experience a satisfying keystroke, the exact characteristics that define the tactile feedback remain unknown.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to different user preferences, especially concerning sound and feel. The Ice King offers a smooth and luxurious typing experience with a subdued auditory signature, whereas the Silent Sakura excels in providing a whisper-quiet typing sensation with an emphasis on balance. While both switches promise satisfaction, the final choice ultimately depends on individual priorites, be it sound, tactile feedback, or the overall typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a notably silky, frictionless feel with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Durock Ice King Linear would be an excellent choice. Its creamy and polished characteristics make it ideal for those who appreciate a smooth keystroke, enhancing overall typing efficiency and comfort, especially during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're after a quieter experience with a lighter 53-gram actuation force, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is specifically designed for that. Its whisper-quiet operation is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing when noise can be a concern. Thus, if sound level and a lighter touch are more critical to your typing style, the Silent Sakura should be your go-to. Ultimately, both switches have distinct advantages, so consider your environment and typing habits to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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