Durock Ice King Linear vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear is a great choice. With its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, the Ice King Linear promises a silky typing experience that is both subdued and polished. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a pronounced tactility without being too overwhelming, the Haimu Viola Tricolor may be the perfect fit for you. Known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between being invigorating and low-pitched, offering a satisfying feedback to enhance your typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is clear that they offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their top housings. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of nylon in the Ice King Linear absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor leads to a more clear and resonant sound. These contrasting qualities give each switch a unique typing experience based on the top housing material used.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Ice King Linear and the Viola Tricolor utilize nylon material. This means that the typing experience in terms of sound profile will be quite similar for these switches, as nylon is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile between the two switches. This similarity in bottom housing material may provide users with a sense of familiarity even when trying out different switches.
Overall, the decision between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Haimu Viola Tricolor would come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may opt for the Ice King Linear with its nylon top housing, while those looking for a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Viola Tricolor with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches offer a reliable typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing material, which ensures a consistent sound profile when bottoming out keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Ice King Linear has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Ice King Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces. When comparing the two, the Ice King Linear may provide a slightly lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force, while the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly heavier typing feel for those who prefer a more substantial push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. Both switches fall within the range of commonly preferred travel distances for different reasons. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
The Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile, which offers a dampened and subtle acoustic experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone that adds character to typing sessions. Both switches offer unique audio profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Ice King Linear delivering a quieter typing experience compared to the more resonant Viola Tricolor.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance, resulting in a luxurious sensation with every keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, striking a balance between pronounced tactility and moderate actuation force. Users can expect a tactile typing experience that is engaging and responsive without being overly aggressive.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Viola Tricolor delivers a more resonant and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. Both switches are designed to cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs for a satisfying and ergonomic typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a creamy feel with a subdued sound, opt for the Ice King Linear. On the other hand, if you enjoy a balance of sharp tactility and a punchy, bassy sound profile, then the Viola Tricolor may be the better fit for you. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel described for each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the right switch for you will enhance your typing experience and make your keyboard feel like an extension of yourself.
Mentioned in this article
