Durock Ice King Linear vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features 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, resulting in a switch that is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, offering a deeper sound signature and a typing experience categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own advantages and reasons why you may choose one over the other; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Snow both use nylon for their top housing, providing a deep and full sound profile. However, the Snow incorporates POK material for its top housing, offering smoother and clackier switches with exceptional durability. In contrast, the Ice King Linear uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to the Snow's nylon bottom housing. The difference lies in the Snow's POK bottom housing, which enhances durability and impact resistance compared to the Ice King Linear.
Despite both the Ice King Linear and the Dareu Snow utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the Snow stands out with its POK material bottom housing, providing superior durability and wear resistance. The Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing still contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the Snow's nylon bottom housing. However, the Snow's POK material offers enhanced toughness and shock resistance, making it a top choice for smoother and clackier switches compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing.
In terms of overall performance, the Dareu Snow's housing materials, including POK top and bottom, outshine the Durock Ice King Linear with nylon top and bottom. The POK material not only offers a smoother and clackier typing experience but also provides exceptional durability and impact resistance. While both switches deliver a deep and full sound profile due to the nylon housing, the Snow's POK material elevates the overall quality of the switch, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a top-tier typing experience.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Snow linear switches are quite similar, with the Ice King having a slightly higher force. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of force, providing a nice balance between ease of typing and a satisfying push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dareu Snow to be a slightly better option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Durock Ice King. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the slight variation in force being unlikely to make a significant difference in overall performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we can see that the Ice King has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Ice King offers a slightly longer travel distance which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance, the Ice King would be the better option, while those looking for a slightly quicker response may prefer the Dareu Snow.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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, creating a more subtle sound signature. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch produces a thocky and deep sound, thanks to its POK material construction. The Snow switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Ice King Linear would be the better choice, while the Snow switch would appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a silky and frictionless typing experience due to its nylon construction and factory lube. The switch offers a smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. If you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Ice King Linear switch would be the ideal option, while the Snow switch would suit those who enjoy a bouncier and more responsive feel.
Considering the sound and feel characteristics of the Durock Ice King Linear and Dareu Snow linear switches, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. If you prioritize a subdued sound with a silky typing feel, the Ice King Linear switch would be the suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more thocky sound with a bouncier typing feel, the Dareu Snow switch would be more appealing. It is important to consider personal preferences for sound and feel when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on the desired characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Snow linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile and frictionless feel, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound signature with a bouncy and neutral feel, the Dareu Snow linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback will determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Make sure to consider these factors when making your decision to ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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