Durock Ice King Linear vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Linear and Jwick Splash Brothers are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches in the market today. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. This switch is described as 'silky', 'frictionless', 'subdued', 'creamy', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is known for its shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a great typing feel reminiscent of the dynamic duo Steph and Klay. Additionally, these switches offer a creamy sound signature and are categorized as 'neutral', 'mild', 'snappy', 'bouncy', 'subtle', and 'polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Splash Brothers both offer different housing materials for their switches, with the Ice King Linear featuring a nylon top housing and bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers uses a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder effect. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature for a more clear and resonant sound. Each housing material contributes distinct sonic characteristics to the typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound quality.
However, despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, both switches share the benefits of using nylon in the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and superior sound absorption properties, resulting in a more rounded and dull sound. This means that the typing experience for both the Ice King Linear and the Splash Brothers will have similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. While the top housing may contribute more to the sound when releasing a key, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound depth and texture.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Splash Brothers comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing offers a softer and more absorbent material for a deeper and fuller typing sound, while the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, providing a consistent and rounded sound when bottoming out keys. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or a sharper, resonant sound, these housing material differences offer distinct typing experiences for enthusiasts to choose from.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that they offer different levels of force. The Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Splash Brothers, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Ice King Linear is 62 grams, while the Splash Brothers requires 48 grams to bottom out. This makes the Splash Brothers a lighter option compared to the Ice King Linear. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Splash Brothers, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ice King Linear, which offers a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This makes them both suitable options for those who prefer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Overall, whether you choose the Ice King or the Splash Brothers, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the linear switch.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches offer a unique sound experience, with the Ice King being more subdued while the Splash Brothers provide a more moderate sound profile. Depending on your preference and setup, you can expect a different auditory experience from each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities enhance the overall smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished typing feel. While the Ice King provides a buttery sensation with factory lubrication and smooth key travel, the Splash Brothers offer a more gentle typing experience with responsive and lively feedback. Ultimately, both switches deliver a unique tactile feel that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, providing users with a variety of options based on their preferences. The Ice King emphasizes a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Splash Brothers offer a more neutral and responsive feel with a moderate sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can enhance your typing experience and provide a unique tactile feedback. Ultimately, it is essential to consider your typing style, setup, and preferences when choosing between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force for a balanced typing experience, opt for the Ice King Linear. This switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a snappy feel with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch would be a great choice. It provides a unique typing feel with a polished finish and a moderate sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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