Durock Ice King Linear vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, providing a frictionless and subdued feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel from its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky' and 'Creamy', the Tourmaline Blue is described as 'Buttery' and 'Mild'. Whether you prefer a polished and frictionless typing experience or a satisfyingly bouncy feel with a thocky sound, each switch offers unique benefits. 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
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is clear that the Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Tourmaline Blue uses polycarbonate for both. The use of nylon in the Ice King Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Tourmaline Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing is also beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Ice King Linear's nylon housing does not offer this feature.
While the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in terms of nylon and polycarbonate, they both aim to enhance the sound and typing experience of mechanical keyboards. The differences in the sound profiles produced by the two materials offer users a choice between a deeper and fuller sound with the Ice King Linear's nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound with the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing. Additionally, both materials bring their unique characteristics to the overall typing experience, with nylon providing a softer feel and polycarbonate offering a stiffer, more resonant touch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. While both switches feature similar housing materials in their respective top and bottom housings, the subtle differences in the characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate can make a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King is also lighter at 62 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue is heavier at 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Tourmaline Blue leans towards the heavier side when it comes to bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Ice King, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a deeper key press feel, the Tourmaline Blue may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Ice King Linear's shorter travel distance may be more suitable. Both switches offer similar results in terms of linear actuation, but the slight variation in travel distance can make a difference in how they feel to the user. 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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 provides a subdued and dampened typing experience, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that suits a wide range of users. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can deliver satisfying sound experiences, although the Ice King Linear may offer a quieter typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a gentle and low-impact typing feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by offering smooth and comfortable key presses, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, each with its own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear may offer a quieter sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more accessible and gentle typing feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can expect reliable performance and enjoyment from either of these high-quality linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, then the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a deep and thocky sound profile, and a bouncy feel with each keystroke, then the Tourmaline Blue could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
