Durock Ice King Linear vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Taichi Linear are two excellent options that cater to different desires within the linear switch category. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, which results in a subdued yet creamy feel while typing. This makes it an appealing choice for users looking for a frictionless experience without any significant noise distractions. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch captivates with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, afforded by its long-pole stem and extended springs for unparalleled smoothness and stability. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a more pronounced sensory experience when typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Taichi, a notable distinction arises between their top housings. The Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic composition. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its stiffer structure that creates a sharper and crisper sound. While both switches aim for an enhanced auditory experience, the Ice King Linear's nylon top contributes to a muted, rounded sound, whereas the Taichi’s polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Ice King Linear and the Bsun Taichi feature nylon bottom housings. As a classic switch housing material, nylon in the bottom housing helps to produce that deep and full sound profile associated with both switches. This uniformity suggests that while the top housing materials yield contrasting auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housing serves to anchor their sound quality by producing a consistent bottom-out feel and sound. This duality of materials influences how users perceive the switches, with the bottom housing’s qualities dominating the overall acoustic experience during critical moments of use, such as bottoming-out.
In summary, while the Ice King Linear and the Bsun Taichi exhibit different properties in their top housings that affect sound clarity and resonance, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to comparable auditory experiences during typing. Users may find that despite the surface-level differences in sound profiles, the foundations provided by the nylon bottom housing create a blend of deeper, fuller sounds that enrich both keyboard experiences. This similarity in bottom housing materials contributes notably to the end-user experience, ensuring that both switches provide satisfying and dynamic auditory feedback, albeit through different means.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Taichi is lighter at 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Ice King also has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance when pressing the switch fully down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Taichi is currently unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. If the bottom out force for the Taichi is determined to be similar to the Ice King's, users could expect a comparable experience in terms of resistance when reaching the key's lowest point. As it stands, those seeking a softer typing experience may gravitate towards the Bsun Taichi, while those who prefer a more substantial feel with a stronger push will likely favor the Durock Ice King Linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Taichi Linear switch, the Ice King Linear features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taichi Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Taichi switch offers a marginally deeper feel during key presses, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, providing a more responsive feel for fast-paced activities. Overall, while the difference is minimal, those who prioritize swiftness in their keystrokes may opt for the Durock Ice King, whereas individuals who enjoy a heavier, more grounded experience might find the Bsun Taichi Linear more satisfying.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 provides a subdued auditory experience, characterized by a dampened sound profile. This makes it a solid choice for users who prefer a typing sound that is not overly intrusive, making it suitable for quiet environments while still providing gratifying acoustic feedback. The Bsun Taichi switch, however, is noted for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This means that the auditory feedback from the Taichi is more pronounced and potentially more satisfying for those who enjoy a clear auditory cue when they bottom out, contrasting with the more muted tones of the Ice King.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch shines with its meticulously engineered characteristics that create a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience. The factory lubrication contributes to a buttery smoothness that enhances the overall typing fluidity, minimizing any sense of resistance and allowing for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch lacks specific descriptions of its tactile qualities, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the focus on "unparalleled smoothness and stability" might suggest that while the feel may be different, it could also offer a satisfying typing experience that appeals to users seeking a reliable linear switch.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Taichi linear switches present unique auditory and tactile qualities. The Ice King boasts a subdued sound and a luxurious, smooth feeling, while the Taichi presents a high-pitched sound signature that is likely more pronounced, but details on its tactile experience are not specified. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a more defined auditory feedback, along with considerations of how each switch aligns with your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Taichi linear switch should primarily depend on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and desire a silky smooth, frictionless keystroke experience, the Ice King Linear is an excellent choice. This switch's subdued sound profile ensures that you won't disturb others around you, making it suitable for office environments or quiet workspaces. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more unique auditory experience with a high-pitched bottom-out sound and appreciate the ergonomic benefits of a long-pole stem and extended springs, the Bsun Taichi linear switch might be more to your liking. While detailed specifications about its bottom-out force might not be available, you can expect a stable and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the type of environment in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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