Durock Ice King Linear vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options to consider are the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both of which are linear switches offering distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Linears are celebrated for their silky smooth feel, thanks to a full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, creating a polished and frictionless typing environment. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are known for their Ly stems, also providing a super smooth experience, but with a resonant sound profile that appeals to users who enjoy an audible feedback element while typing. While both switches promise a satisfying linear experience, the Ice King excels in providing a creamy and subdued feel, perfect for those who seek a quiet and refined environment, whereas the Tomcat offers a more pronounced sound that can enhance the tactile enjoyment of 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 (Heavy), a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its inherent characteristics that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition; it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) is designed with a polycarbonate top housing that emphasizes clearer and more resonant sound properties. Its stiffer structure enables sharper, higher-pitched sounds, appealing to users who prefer an articulate keypress. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances the effectiveness of RGB lighting, allowing for illuminated effects that might not be as prominent in the Ice King Linear’s more subdued aesthetic.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches showcase nylon, reinforcing a commonality in their acoustic profiles. The Ice King Linear and the Tomcat (Heavy) both employ this classic material for their bottom housings, which contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel during keypress interactions. The nylon's softer nature allows for a consistent sound absorption, leading to a similar deep and full sound experience when a user bottoms out on either switch. This shared bottom housing material essentially creates a unified tactile experience, where both switches can deliver an enjoyable auditory feedback despite the differences found in their respective top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in unique yet complementary sound profiles for both switches. The Ice King Linear, with its nylon top housing offering a rounder sound, can be contrasted with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate on the Tomcat (Heavy). However, the overlapping use of nylon in the bottom housing ties these products together, ensuring that users can achieve a similarly satisfying feel during keypresses. Therefore, while the Ice King Linear and the Tomcat (Heavy) may cater to different sound preferences through their top housing materials, the underlying consistency in the bottom housing allows for comparable results in overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence user preference based on typing style. The Ice King Linear has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a bit more pressure with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that if you favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Ice King Linear may be the preferred choice, allowing for less fatigue over time. Conversely, the Tomcat, offering a heavier feel, might be better suited for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. Overall, each switch provides a unique tactile profile that caters to different user preferences, with the Ice King being the lighter option and the Tomcat the heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Ice King Linear features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. As such, the Ice King provides a shorter travel distance, offering a more responsive feel that can benefit gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and depth in their keystrokes. While both switches fall within a range that is on the shorter side compared to traditional switches, the subtle difference of 0.1 mm indicates that individuals who choose the Ice King will experience a slightly snappier response, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to a preference for more tactile depth.
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 (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a subdued acoustic profile, which means it produces a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to many other switches on the market. This characteristic can create a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for those who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a less intrusive sound while they type. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is less documented, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat of a mystery. Generally, it’s important to note that the final sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard build, plate material, and keycap choice, meaning that even switches with different inherent sound qualities can end up sounding similar based on these variables.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch shines with several descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. This switch delivers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and allowing for fluid keystrokes that glide seamlessly. The combination of nylon construction and generous factory lubrication enhances both the tactile response and comfort, giving users a luxurious typing experience. Alas, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) remains undefined as no specific descriptions were provided. Therefore, potential users might have to rely on personal experience or community feedback to determine whether it reaches the same caliber of fluidity and smoothness.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out for its subdued sound profile and an array of positive tactile qualities that promise an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While the sound qualities of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) remain unknown, its smoothness is also a highlight, but without detailed information, it is difficult to fully compare the two. For those seeking a quiet and silky typing experience, the Ice King would likely be a robust choice, while the Tomcat will require further exploration to ascertain its overall performance. Ultimately, both switches can potentially lead to satisfying results depending on individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you value a silky, frictionless typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear is likely the better fit for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams makes it an accessible option for long typing sessions, allowing for comfort without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a resonant sound characteristic that provides a tactile feedback during your keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64 grams bottom-out force would suit you well. Its unique Ly stems contribute to a satisfying typing experience, albeit with a more pronounced sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you balance smoothness and feedback, as well as the acoustic environment in which you’ll be typing. Choose the Ice King for buttery smoothness and discreet sound, or the Tomcat for a heavier, more resonant typing experience.
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