Durock Ice King Linear vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a great choice for those seeking a frictionless and subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches boast a unique sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, along with a rich and bassy feel that adds indulgence to typing. Their medium-weight and distinct gliding feel make them suitable for a wide range of users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer unique characteristics that impact the overall typing experience. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switches feature a POM top and bottom housing, providing a more muted and deeper sound profile that is pleasing and unique. The POM material contributes to the overall sound of the switch, giving it a distinct acoustic quality.
While both switches use different housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The nylon housing of the Ice King Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow switches produces a more muted and pleasing sound. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether you prefer the rounder sound of nylon or the deeper sound of POM, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of construction, the split between the top and bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of a keypress. The qualities of the bottom housing influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. The Durock Ice King Linear and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches showcase how different housing materials can contribute to the overall typing experience. Whether it's the softer nylon of the Ice King Linear or the unique POM of the Sunset Yellow, each housing material brings a distinct sound profile that enhances the typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches differ slightly in terms of weight. The Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance level. In comparison, the Sunset Yellow offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a more medium-light option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Sunset Yellow for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Ice King Linear more suitable. Despite their variances, users can still achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces depending on their personal preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ice King Linear switch is longer by 0.3 mm compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches. If you prefer a bit more depth to your key presses, you may lean towards the Ice King Linear switch, while those looking for a more immediate response may prefer the Sunset Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 offers a subdued sound that is more subtle and dampened compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile that is rich, deep, and satisfying. The Sunset Yellow switch produces a more prominent and indulgent sound experience compared to the Ice King Linear. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup.
Moving on to feel, both the Ice King Linear and Sunset Yellow switches offer a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, thanks to factory lubrication and high-quality materials. The Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky and frictionless feel, ensuring minimal resistance and effortless key presses. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a polished and frictionless typing experience, with a distinct gliding feel and responsive keystrokes. Overall, both switches deliver a luxurious and smooth typing feel that is highly sought after by enthusiasts.
In conclusion, while the Durock Ice King Linear and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in their sound profiles, they both offer a premium typing experience characterized by smoothness, ease of use, and a satisfying feel. Whether you prefer a subdued sound with the Ice King Linear or a bassy thock with the Sunset Yellow, both switches excel in providing a high-quality typing experience that is sure to impress newcomers and experienced users alike. With either switch, you can expect a top-tier mechanical keyboard experience that prioritizes comfort, responsiveness, and overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a smoother typing experience with subtle sound, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light actuation force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a creamy and frictionless typing feel, then the Sunset Yellow switches would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force to enhance your overall typing experience.
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