Durock Ice King Linear vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a frictionless and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches provide a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to users looking for a balanced and comfortable typing feel. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that make them ideal options for different typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one can see a stark contrast in the sound profiles each material produces. The Ice King Linear's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that may cater to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material provides a more clear and resonant sound that may appeal to typists looking for a more pronounced typing sound.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing. This indicates that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. However, the top housings of the Ice King Linear and the Violet Gold Pro differ significantly in material, with the former utilizing nylon and the latter using polycarbonate. This split in housing materials means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, while the sound upon key release will be affected by the top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Ice King Linear and the Violet Gold Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Those who prefer a softer, rounder sound may appreciate the Nylon housing of the Ice King Linear, while individuals seeking a clearer and more resonant typing experience may lean towards the polycarbonate housing of the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material choices in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice King Linear is the heavier of the two. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may benefit from the Violet Gold Pro, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force requirements. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Ice King Linear catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Violet Gold Pro is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch at 3.8 mm. The Ice King Linear offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 offers a subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound with a balanced actuation force requirement. Both options cater to different preferences in sound, with the Ice King Linear being more understated and the Violet Gold Pro being versatile for various typing environments.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. This results in a smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile experience with two stages of feedback. While the Ice King Linear focuses on a seamless typing sensation, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more pronounced tactile feel for those who prefer a bit more feedback during typing.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Ice King Linear excels in providing a smooth and frictionless typing feel, coupled with a subdued sound profile. Meanwhile, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a stepped feel and a neutral sound signature. Whether you prioritize a silky typing experience with minimal noise or a balanced tactile feedback with moderate sound, both switches deliver quality performance in their respective categories. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile feedback with a moderate sound profile and no specific bottom out force requirement, the Violet Gold Pro could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the typing experience you are seeking and how it aligns with your personal preferences.
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