Durock Ice King Linear vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Tomcat both offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, though they cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth feel, achieved through its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a typing experience that is not only frictionless but also subdued and creamy. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a polished and tactile experience without any distracting noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems, which contribute to its smoothness, but what truly sets it apart is its resonant sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more auditory feedback while typing. Consequently, the Ice King might be preferred by individuals seeking a quieter, smoother action, while the Tomcat could attract users who appreciate a richer sound experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Tomcat, a notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Ice King features a nylon top housing, which produces a distinctive deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound waves and results in a plush auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that generates a sharper, more resonant sound. The clarity and brightness provided by polycarbonate make it particularly advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, giving a visually appealing effect alongside the auditory profile.
Interestingly, both the Ice King Linear and the Tomcat utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material contributes to the overall sound profile of each switch. The nylon bottom housing in both models produces the same deeper and fuller sound characteristic, enhancing the bottom-out experience regardless of the differing top materials. While the Ice King maintains a consistent nylon throughout, the Tomcat incorporates both nylon and polycarbonate within its design, splitting the acoustic qualities effectively between the two housings. This means that when engaging with either switch, users will experience a similar auditory depth from the bottom housing, while the nuances of the sound are shaped by the variation in top materials.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials create a distinctive contrast between the two switches, affecting how sound is perceived when typing. Users who favor a warmer, more subdued sound profile may gravitate towards the Ice King, while those looking for a bright and clear sound will likely prefer the Tomcat. However, given that both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, they will produce a comparable sound experience when bottoming out. As a result, whether one chooses the Ice King or the Tomcat, the bottom housing provides a consistent auditory foundation, allowing enthusiasts to achieve somewhat similar results in typing acoustics despite the differences in top housing choices.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Tomcat requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and bottoms out at 54 grams. This makes the Tomcat a better choice for users who prefer a lighter touch and less fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, while the Ice King Linear offers a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a heavier switch. Both switches deliver a medium to medium-light experience, yet the Ice King provides a stronger overall push, appealing to users who favor a more robust typing experience. Therefore, in terms of weight, the Tomcat is lighter, while the Ice King is heavier, highlighting the user's preference for either a softer or firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat Linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Ice King Linear boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ice King the shorter option, which may provide a quicker response time and is often preferred by gamers who favor faster actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat's longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and depth in their keystrokes. While both switches offer a relatively similar experience, the Ice King can cater to those looking for a more responsive feel, whereas the Tomcat could be better for users who appreciate a bit more travel in their typing experience.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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 produces a subdued tone, resulting in a dampened sound profile when pressed. This makes it less intrusive during typing, offering a subtle auditory backdrop that allows for focused work or gaming sessions without overwhelming noise. While the Ice King is not completely silent, the muted characteristics make it more adaptable to various environments. The Bsun Tomcat Linear switch's sound profile, however, has not been explicitly described, leaving its tonal qualities an unknown factor, although it's worth noting that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard layout, material, and keycaps used with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch excels with descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. This combination indicates an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by minimal resistance, fluid keystrokes, and a luxurious, buttery touch. The generous factory lubrication enhances this feel, ensuring that each keystroke glides effortlessly under the fingers. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch lacks defined descriptors regarding its feel, which leaves its tactile feedback and overall typing experience uncertain. However, it may also deliver a smooth experience, given its construction, potentially allowing for a comparable interaction to that of the Ice King.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a well-defined sound and an exquisite typing feel, the Bsun Tomcat Linear's qualities remain ambiguous, particularly concerning sound and tactile feedback. If you prioritize a muted sound alongside a smooth typing sensation, the Ice King Linear switch stands out as a reliable option. The Tomcat, though undefined in its characteristics, could still offer smoothness, but without concrete descriptions, it’s hard to make a direct comparison. Thus, if you choose the Ice King, you will certainly know what to expect in terms of sound and feel, whereas with the Tomcat, you venture into a realm of unknowns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch. If you lean towards a heavier bottom-out force for more tactile feedback and prefer a typing experience that is exceptionally smooth, the Ice King Linear would be your go-to option. Its medium weight of 62 grams and silky, frictionless action, paired with a subdued sound profile, make it ideal for those who appreciate a buttery feel without overwhelming auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch and a more resonant sound, the Tomcat with its 54-gram bottom-out force might be more suitable. While it may lack detailed descriptions for its feel, the Tomcat's Ly stems are designed to provide a smooth experience that many typists prefer. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences in force, sound, and the overall typing sensation you wish to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
