Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in dictating the overall typing experience. The Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a 'silky smooth' feel with its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, making it ideal for users who cherish a seamless, frictionless typing experience. It caters to those who appreciate a more subdued sound and creamy feedback, perfect for both gaming and typing without the distraction of clicks. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch introduces a luxurious tactile experience, featuring a pronounced "thock" sound on bottoming out and a quiet topping out. Its sharp tactile bump enhances the richness of each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile sensation and a refined auditory profile. Both switches cater to different typing preferences—one emphasizing smoothness and quietness, while the other focuses on an enriched tactile feedback 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

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit notable similarities, yet they also feature distinctive elements that influence their acoustic properties. Both switches utilize a softer plastic composition for their housings: the Ice King Linear uses traditional nylon, while the U4Tx RGB is made from a proprietary Gazzew blend colloquially referred to as "boba plastic." This softness is the crux behind their acoustic performance, as it facilitates a deeper and richer sound profile. The elasticity of these materials contributes to a fuller sound during typing, resulting in a pleasant auditory experience for users.

However, the specific nature of the housing materials leads to variations in user experience between the two switches. The Ice King Linear, with its nylon composition, is known for absorbing sound effectively, which yields a somewhat muted and rounded auditory feedback, especially evident in the bottom-out sounds. Contrastingly, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, while similarly absorbing sound due to its soft texture, incorporates a proprietary blend that may produce a subtly different tonal quality. Although both materials excel in reducing the sharpness of sound through their softness, the inherent characteristics of nylon versus the Gazzew blend could provide unique aural nuances, even when achieving a deep sound profile.

Ultimately, while both switches share a foundation of soft plastic composition that enhances sound absorption and richness, the distinct materials yield differing acoustic outputs and tactile sensations. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both, yet the nuances of key feel and sound may vary slightly based on the material and construction of each switch's housing. If users appreciate the auditory qualities of one switch over the other, they may find satisfaction in the comparable results achieved through careful selection, leaning on the advantages each material brings to the overall experience.

Weight

The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present a notable comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams, which means it requires a moderate amount of pressure to register a keystroke, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without unnecessary strain. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare their responsiveness; however, it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Ice King's 62 grams. This indicates that while the Ice King is the lighter option, the U4Tx RGB offers a heftier final push when a key is fully pressed. Users seeking a lighter touch for extended use may gravitate towards the Ice King Linear, while those who prefer a firmer feel and a pronounced keystroke completion might find the U4Tx RGB more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference for actuation weight and tactile response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Ice King Linear features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, although both switches are relatively similar in their travel distances, the U4Tx RGB provides just a bit more depth in each key press. For gamers or users who prefer faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may be more appealing, offering a quicker actuation. However, those who enjoy a more tactile and robust feel may find the extra millimeter in the U4Tx RGB satisfying. In this comparison, the Durock Ice King Linear is the shorter switch, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the longer option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch presents a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This gives it a more muted quality that provides a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for quiet environments. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is noted for its distinctive sound characteristics, combining a deep "thock" when bottoming out with a quiet ascent. This combination results in a refined sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find luxurious. Both switches are influenced by factors such as keycap and board selection, but one can expect the Ice King to be more reserved in sound compared to the pronounced thock of the U4Tx while still being refined in their respective ways.

In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch stands out as exceptionally smooth, featuring descriptors like silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that feels effortless and luxurious, allowing the fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. This smoothness is further enhanced by the generous factory lubrication that has been applied during manufacturing. On the other hand, the feel of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is unknown in this context. However, the tactile nature of the U4Tx, characterized by a distinct bump, suggests a different typing experience compared to the Ice King's buttery and smooth action. While the Ice King emphasizes a uniform motion, the U4Tx likely provides a tactile feedback that adds a unique sensation, making them feel quite different.

In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice King is ideal for those who value a smooth, subdued typing experience, while the U4Tx appeals to users looking for tactile feedback with an engaging sound signature. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the silky, frictionless glide of the Ice King or the luxury and tactile response of the U4Tx. Each switch brings its unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, making them compelling options in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, consider your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you value a smooth, silky feel and a more muted sound profile, the Ice King Linear is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams allows for comfortable, effortless typing, making it ideal for long typing sessions or a quieter workspace. On the other hand, if you prefer the tactile feedback and a rich sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB may be more suited to you. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying tactile bump, allowing for more pronounced feedback with each keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a gliding, frictionless action or a pronounced tactile sensation with an enjoyable thock sound, both of which can significantly impact your overall typing enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more