Durock Ice King Linear vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique attributes that can enhance your typing experience. The Ice King Linear switches are renowned for their silky smooth action, thanks to their full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, creating a frictionless feel that many typists adore. They deliver a subdued and creamy sound profile, perfect for those who seek a polished, sophisticated typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch shines with its super smooth operation, utilizing the latest molds for precise performance. Its balanced sound profile strikes a sweet spot—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant—appealing to gamers and typists who crave an audible feedback without being intrusive. While both switches excel in creating a linear typing experience, they cater to different preferences in feel and acoustics. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, there are notable contrasts and similarities to consider. The Ice King Linear employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon is traditional and brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing while maintaining nylon for its bottom housing. The POK material has superior wear resistance, shock resistance, and a slightly higher coefficient of friction, contributing to a smoother feel and a more clacky sound profile than nylon alone. This difference in materials suggests that the Ice King Linear may deliver a more muted and rounded sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte might offer a sharper auditory experience due to the properties of POK.
Both switches leverage nylon in their bottom housing, which results in similar auditory characteristics in their bottom-out sounds and overall feel. The nylon bottom housing in both the Ice King Linear and the Strawberry Latte contributes to that signature deeper and fuller sound profile, blending well with the sound dynamics created by their respective top housings. For both switches, the combination of nylon adds robustness and warmth to the typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a consistent audio feedback that enhances tactile pleasure. However, users may experience a different overall typing sensation since the Strawberry Latte employs POK in its top housing, which promises a distinct clacky sound and potentially more tactile response due to its smoother texture.
In summary, while the Ice King Linear and the Strawberry Latte share nylon for their bottom housing and exhibit similar sound characteristics stemming from that choice, they diverge at the top housing level. The Ice King’s nylon top housing fosters a broader, more muffled sound profile, whereas the Strawberry Latte's POK top housing injects a level of clarity and sharpness that makes it stand out. Therefore, while both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences through their nylon bottoms, the differentiation in top materials results in unique sound profiles that cater to varied user preferences. Ultimately, those seeking a plush typing feel may gravitate towards the Ice King Linear, while others looking for a more pronounced and clacky feedback might prefer the Strawberry Latte.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a significantly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it in the light switch category. This disparity means that users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions and gaming may find the Strawberry Latte more suitable. Conversely, those who enjoy a firmer feel when typing and appreciate the tactile feedback of a heavier switch might gravitate towards the Ice King. Overall, these switches cater to different user preferences, with the Ice King being the heavier option and the Strawberry Latte being the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that the Ice King has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This minor difference indicates that the Strawberry Latte may offer a more pronounced depth upon actuation, which could appeal to users who prefer a heartier feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Ice King’s shorter travel distance may allow for faster response times, aligning well with the preferences of gamers who value quick actuation. Ultimately, while both switches fall within a similar range, the Ice King provides a quicker response with its shorter travel, whereas the Strawberry Latte gives a subtle advantage in depth with its longer 3.6 mm travel.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, the Ice King is characterized by a subdued sound, producing a dampened effect when pressed. It provides a more subtle auditory signature that is less intrusive, making it suitable for a quieter environment. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Strawberry Latte is not detailed in the provided information, it is known to have a balanced sound that sits comfortably between too quiet and overly resonant. This suggests that, while the Ice King focuses on dampening the sound, the Strawberry Latte may offer a more versatile auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear stands out for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, described with various positive descriptors such as "silky," "frictionless," "creamy," and "polished." Each of these qualities contributes to a luxurious feel, allowing the fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. The Ice King's factory lubrication enhances this fluidity, making it one of the most pleasurable typing experiences available. Unfortunately, there is no specific information about the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches, leaving an unknown gap in direct comparison. However, given its reputation for smoothness, it can be inferred that it may also provide a satisfying tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches each have their unique attributes when it comes to sound and feel. The Ice King's subdued auditory signature combined with a silky, polished typing experience offers a refined approach for users who prioritize quiet and smooth operation. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's balanced sound profile promises versatility, while its feel remains undetermined. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and choosing between them will depend on whether you prefer the Ice King's quiet sophistication or the potential adaptability of the Strawberry Latte.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and crave a silky, frictionless feel with minimal resistance, the Ice King Linear is an excellent choice, offering a subdued sound that doesn’t disrupt your environment. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize a smooth, polished typing experience while working or gaming in quieter settings. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams and appreciate a balanced sound—neither overly loud nor too quiet—the Strawberry Latte would be better suited for you. The latest molds from Huano ensure that these switches provide a super smooth typing experience, perfect for fast-paced typing or gaming where speed and agility are vital. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you value a heavier and more tactile switch versus the ease and lightness of touch; both options deliver exceptional quality tailored to different styles of typing.
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