Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Type L are both highly sought-after mechanical keyboard switches in the market. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is known for being the lightest in its series, requiring only 45g to bottom out, and producing a sound signature that leans towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. While the Ice King Linear is characterized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Polished', the Type L is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch offers unique qualities that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Type L are both made of nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience with a pleasant sound quality.
However, where they may differ is in the specific design and construction of their top and bottom housings. The qualities of the nylon material in each housing will impact how the switch feels and sounds when pressed and released. The Ice King Linear and the Gateron Type L may have variations in the thickness or shape of their housing components, leading to subtle differences in typing feel and sound profile. These differences could potentially affect the overall typing experience, making one switch more suitable for certain preferences over the other.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Type L share the same nylon housing material, the specific design and construction of their top and bottom housings may lead to variations in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are likely to offer a high-quality typing experience, but differences in housing design could impact which switch is the preferred choice for different users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it becomes evident that the Ice King Linear has a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more medium resistance compared to the Type L's lighter actuation force of 38 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Ice King Linear a heavier option compared to the Type L, which is lighter. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Type L would be the ideal choice as it allows for more extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear would be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing, providing a more robust typing experience.Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Type L linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both options fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the feel of the switch for some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt key press may lean towards the Ice King Linear, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Type L. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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 provides a subdued typing experience, offering a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L switch offers a more neutral sound profile that elegantly veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum, with a subtle and dampened sound signature. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so results may vary based on these additional elements.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch offers a creamy and polished sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the contrary, the Gateron Type L switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers and reducing strain during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique feel qualities.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Type L linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear provides a subdued sound and a silky, frictionless typing experience, the Gateron Type L switch offers a more neutral sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you go for the Ice King Linear or the Type L, you can expect to achieve satisfying results in your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Type L linear switches, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a feathery feel with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Type L would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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