Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus each offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, achieved through full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, providing a refined feel that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically with gamers in mind, featuring an impressively low 1mm actuation force that allows for rapid-fire inputs and a bright, clacky sound profile. While the Ice King offers a more subdued and polished feedback suitable for those who prioritize a smooth typing rhythm, the Vintage Citrus caters to fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ultimate switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, it is noteworthy that both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This uniform choice of material means that enthusiasts can expect a consistent typing experience across both switches. Nylon, a classic material known for its sound-dampening qualities, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because of its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a subdued and rounded auditory feedback when typing. Consequently, users of both switches will likely appreciate similar acoustic characteristics, making these switches suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority.
One of the distinctive aspects to consider is how the housing materials affect the overall typing experience. While both switches share the same nylon composition for the top and bottom, different design elements or internal constructions could still lead to unique tactile feedback when engaging the switches. However, since the nylon in both models provides a softer and more muted sound profile, the overall effect should remain consistent. The influence of the bottom housing will predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, while the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound produced upon key release. This interplay reinforces the idea that, despite any aesthetic or structural differences, users can expect a harmonious sound experience across both models due to the shared material.
Ultimately, the similarities in materials translate into an expectation of similar performance in terms of sound and feel. Users will likely find their typing experience to be comfortable and quiet, whether they choose the Ice King Linear or the Vintage Citrus. While minor variances may arise from structural differences or other design features, the core quality and sound characteristics stemming from the nylon housing will deliver comparable results. Thus, consumers can feel confident in selecting either switch without sacrificing their preferences for a richer acoustic experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus Linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium force option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus Linear has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it within the medium-light range. This means that the Vintage Citrus is easier to press, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ice King’s heavier force may appeal to users seeking a more tactile and substantial feel during use. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while the Ice King would be suited for those who appreciate a heavier, more pronounced actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Ice King offers a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This difference highlights the preferences that can be catered to by each switch. For gamers or users who favor faster response times and a more tactile feel, the Vintage Citrus's 3 mm travel provides a quicker actuation, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Ice King, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when actuating a key, providing a sense of depth that can prevent accidental key presses. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced key travel experience.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch presents a subdued auditory profile, characterized by a dampened noise level when keys are pressed. This makes it a more muted choice compared to switches that feature a loud or clacky sound, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. The specific sound qualities of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch remain unknown, but since sound is influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap choices, you'll want to consider those factors if you're aiming for a unique auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear certainly shines. It is touted for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished characteristics, which collectively offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The full nylon construction combined with generous factory lubrication minimizes resistance and enhances the overall tactile sensation. Although the details regarding the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch are not provided, its exceptionally low actuation force and gaming-oriented design suggest a focus on rapid responsiveness, likely contributing to an efficient typing or gaming experience.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Vintage Citrus switches serve different user preferences, with the Ice King emphasizing a smooth, low-sound typing experience while the Vintage Citrus appeals to gamers looking for quick actuation. While the Ice King excels in a refined tactile feel with muted sound, the Vintage Citrus, although not fully detailed in feel or sound, hints at a focus on speed and connectivity. Both switches can offer unique experiences depending on your setup and personal preferences, but if smooth typing is your goal, the Ice King is a stellar option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches largely hinges on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Ice King Linear is an excellent option. Its full nylon construction and generous factory lube provide exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for long typing sessions and users who appreciate a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch's lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams and its extremely low actuation point of just 1mm could be more beneficial for rapid-fire inputs. The Vintage Citrus also offers a bright, clacky sound that enthusiasts might enjoy, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should align with your intended use: opt for the Ice King for a refined typing experience or the Vintage Citrus for gaming performance.
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