Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of a variety of options, including the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Twilight, both of which are standout linear switches. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, stemming from its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, leading to a frictionless, subdued, and polished feel that many users appreciate for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, which not only contributes to a quieter sound profile but also maintains the clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. While both switches offer unique benefits, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences in typing experience 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

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Twilight both feature nylon as their primary component, indicating a noteworthy similarity between these two switches. The nylon top and bottom housings are designed to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is consistent across both models. This is largely due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic, which helps to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience, enjoying the rounder and more muted sound that nylon provides upon both pressing and releasing the keys.

Despite the similarities in their material composition, the Ice King Linear and the HMX Twilight may have other differing characteristics in their sound and feel, particularly in the nuances brought about by their specific designs. While both switches share the same nylon materials, the configuration of the bottom and top housings can lead to variations in how sound and feedback are experienced. For instance, the bottom housing is more influential during the bottom-out sound, while the top housing greatly affects the sound upon key release. Therefore, even the same material can manifest differently based on the switch’s design, leading to distinct experiences in typist feedback and acoustics.

Overall, since both the Ice King Linear and the HMX Twilight utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can anticipate consistent performance regarding sound properties. This comparative advantage allows both switches to produce a result characterized by enhanced sound absorption and a fuller acoustic experience. Despite any minor divergences in design or feel, the fundamental similarity of materials stands out as a defining factor, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience marked by the characteristic cushioned tones of nylon.

Weight

The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Twilight Linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it on the medium end of the spectrum. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch during typing or gaming. As a result, those who favor a lighter keyboard feel for prolonged use or lengthy gaming sessions would likely be drawn to the Twilight switch. Conversely, the heavier characteristics of the Ice King may appeal to typists seeking a more substantial resistance, providing a firmer push and tactile feedback. Thus, while the Ice King is the heavier option overall, the Twilight offers a lighter experience, making them suitable for different user preferences and typing styles.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Twilight Linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Ice King Linear features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Twilight Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Ice King Linear switch provides a shorter distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced travel needed for actuation. On the other hand, the Twilight Linear, with its deeper travel distance, could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and the feel of depth when typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued auditory profile, creating a dampened sound during typing. While it is not completely silent, its subtle sound signature is generally more refined than many other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter typing experience while retaining the clacky qualities characteristic of HMX switches. Thus, while the Ice King provides a more muted keystroke, the Twilight achieves a balance between quietness and audible feedback, making it a matter of personal preference for those who appreciate a little more sound without the excess clack.

In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. This range of descriptors indicates that the switch's design allows for effortless key presses, minimizing resistance and offering a luxurious sensation as fingers glide over the keys. Conversely, the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch is currently unknown, which means that any definitive comparisons regarding how it measures up to the Ice King in tactile feedback cannot be made.

In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Twilight linear switches cater to different auditory preferences, with the Ice King leaning towards a subdued sound and the Twilight providing a quieter clacky experience. Feel-wise, the Ice King's exquisite smoothness stands out prominently, whereas the lack of information on the Twilight leaves a sense of uncertainty. For newcomers diving into mechanical keyboards, these attributes will play a significant role in tailoring their typing experience, so choosing between these options should focus on sound preference and the tactile satisfaction they seek.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you value a medium bottom-out force and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Ice King Linear would be the right fit for you. With its silky, frictionless, and creamy feel, paired with a subdued sound profile, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a quiet yet polished typing sensation—perfect for long typing sessions or a more subtle office environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams and appreciate an extended travel distance, the HMX Twilight is your best option. Its characteristics lend themselves to a slightly quieter operation while maintaining a satisfying feedback—great for both gaming and casual typing. Therefore, consider how you type, the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard, and whether you prioritize smoothness or a lighter touch when deciding between these two excellent options.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more