Durock Ice King Linear vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Duck offer distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is lauded for its silky smooth typing feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it perfect for those who prefer a frictionless and subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck provides a more subtle tactile feel, with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile that appeals to those seeking a mild and buttery typing experience. 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
58g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and SP-Star Duck both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is more resonant. While the Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the clarity and crispness of the typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the Durock Ice King Linear and SP-Star Duck offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Ice King Linear create a cohesive sound profile that is deeper and fuller, making it ideal for users looking for a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Duck offer a sharper, more resonant sound that is especially suited for those who prefer a crisper typing feel. While the Ice King Linear's housing absorbs more sound, the Duck's housing enhances clarity and resonance for a different typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and SP-Star Duck ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. The nylon housing of the Ice King Linear provides a softer and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Duck offers a sharper and crisper typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, more resonant sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual user's preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear is the lighter option with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is slightly heavier with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Ice King Linear, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals seeking a firmer and more substantial typing feel may lean towards the SP-Star Duck. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the spectrum of traditional travel distances, with the Ice King being on the shorter side and the Duck being on the longer side. Gamers looking for quick response times may prefer the Ice King with its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press may opt for the Duck with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle auditory experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound level that is suitable for a variety of uses. Both switches provide different sound experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for noise levels, with the Ice King Linear being quieter and the Duck switch offering a moderate sound.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced resistance. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel, being gentle on the fingers and providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. While both switches aim to provide a smooth typing experience, the Ice King Linear offers a slightly more frictionless and silky feel, ideal for those who prefer minimal resistance, whereas the Duck switch is more approachable with its mild and buttery characteristics.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts. The Ice King Linear switch provides a quieter sound profile and a smoother typing experience with reduced resistance, while the Duck switch offers a moderate sound level and a gentle, buttery feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches excel in providing a premium typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Ice King Linear if you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with its medium bottom out force, full nylon construction, and generous factory lube. On the other hand, choose the Duck switch if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility, clean and crispy sound profile, and a slightly lower bottom out force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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