Durock Ice King Linear vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock T1 offer unique typing experiences for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Ice King Linear is praised for its smooth and frictionless keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. On the other hand, the T1 tactile switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a noticeable medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. While the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky' and 'Creamy', the T1 is labeled as 'Stepped' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches provide a polished and neutral feel, but each caters to different preferences in terms of tactility and sound. 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
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock T1 switches provide distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the T1's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with its stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, while the opaque nature of nylon provides a more classic look.
Both the Ice King Linear and the T1 switches utilize nylon bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. This consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing highlights its ability to create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the use of nylon for both switches' bottom housings ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock T1 switches allows for a customized typing experience based on individual preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Ice King's nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound profile with the T1's polycarbonate housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches ensures that the qualities of each material are effectively utilized, providing a well-rounded sound profile and feel. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches offer users the opportunity to choose based on sound preferences and aesthetic preferences, making them versatile options in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Durock T1 tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Ice King has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Ice King switch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the T1 switch may provide a more substantial feel due to its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger keystroke sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock T1 tactile switch. The Ice King Linear will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the T1 due to its shorter travel distance. This can be beneficial for gamers or those who prefer a more responsive feel when typing. On the other hand, the T1 offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may feel more substantial to those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and responsiveness.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 profile, producing a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a low-pitched sound, which is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a pleasant typing experience. The T1 also has a neutral sound profile suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Ice King Linear being more subdued and the T1 having a low-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described with words like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, all of which highlight the exceptionally smooth typing experience it provides. The keys feel like they effortlessly melt into each keystroke, offering minimal resistance and a fluid travel. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch is characterized as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Ice King Linear focusing on reducing resistance and the T1 offering a moderate amount of tactility.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Linear provides a more subdued sound and an extremely smooth typing experience, while the T1 offers a low-pitched sound and a mild tactile feedback. Both switches are polished, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, knowing that you will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock T1 tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a silky smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium bump and a low-pitched sound, the T1 could be the ideal option. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a more frictionless and polished feel, the Ice King Linear would suit your preferences, whereas if you appreciate a stepped and accented tactile feel, the T1 would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
