Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, making it ideal for typists who crave a frictionless and seamless keystroke. Characterized by descriptors like "subdued" and "creamy," this switch is perfect for those who prioritize a polished feel and quiet operation in their workflow. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch caters to users who appreciate a tactile bump when typing, providing a subtle to moderate tactile feel that can enhance the typing experience without being overly loud. Its balanced sound profile complements its tactile feedback, making it suitable for both gaming and typing scenarios. Each switch brings its unique advantages and can influence one's overall keyboard experience significantly. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality means that the two switches share similar acoustic characteristics, primarily due to nylon's inherent properties. The nylon material is known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Therefore, users can expect strikingly similar auditory experiences when using either switch, reflecting the soft and rounded sound that nylon produces.
Both the Ice King Linear and Weightlessness employ nylon for both their top and bottom housings, reinforcing the coherence in their sound profiles. While the top housing influences the sound released when a key is released, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and tactile feel upon pressing down a key. With both switches made entirely of nylon, the qualities that define their typing experience are well-distributed across both housings, ensuring that users will experience a consistent soundscape whether bottoming out or releasing their keys. This design choice provides the advantage of a uniform acoustic performance due to the consistent material throughout the switch.
The unified use of nylon in both the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Weightlessness ensures that their performance characteristics and sound profiles remain comparable. Users seeking a gratifying typing experience will find that both switches deliver a well-rounded auditory feedback owing to nylon's contribution to sound dampening. The choice of material plays a pivotal role in how each switch feels and sounds, and since they both utilize nylon throughout, the resulting experiences will feel familiar and satisfying. For those interested in exploring different tactile qualities while still enjoying similar acoustic properties, these switches present an excellent option.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find some interesting contrasts in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Gateron switch remains unknown. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams, slightly heavier than the Gateron Weightlessness, which comes in at 50 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear requires a tad more effort to press down, making it potentially less ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as those engaged in long work or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Ice King Linear's is 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel when bottoming out, whereas the Weightlessness does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving its overall weight and feel somewhat ambiguous. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better option, while the Durock Ice King Linear offers a heavier feeling for those who appreciate a sturdier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice King has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Weightlessness is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Gateron switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Ice King’s longer travel distance might be more suited for users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience while typing. Overall, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, users will find that the nuances in their lengths cater to different preferences—speed versus a more tactile feedback 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Ice King Linear stands out with its subdued sound characteristic. This means that when pressed, the Ice King Linear produces a dampened sound that is not excessively loud, making it suitable for quiet settings or for those who favor a more subtle auditory experience. In contrast, the sound profile for the Weightlessness switch isn’t available, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's build materials and the choice of keycaps.
Regarding the feel, the Ice King Linear excels with its creamy and silky characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing experience. Users will appreciate how the factory-lubed nylon construction minimizes resistance, resulting in fluid key travel. This offers a unique tactile satisfaction that can be described as gliding your fingers effortlessly from key to key. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feel, yet specific attributes about its smoothness and overall typing experience are not provided. Thus, while both offer enjoyable experiences in their own right, the Ice King Linear clearly emphasizes a smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Ice King Linear is notable for its subdued sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the Weightlessness offers a tactile sensation that may appeal to those who enjoy a little more feedback with their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between them will hinge on personal preference; if you prioritize sound dampening and smoothness, the Ice King Linear is the clear choice, while the Weightlessness will appeal to those who prefer a moderate tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a silky smooth, frictionless experience, the Ice King Linear is your go-to switch. Its smooth action, coupled with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, makes it perfect for those long typing sessions where comfort is key. The subdued sound profile enhances its appeal in quiet environments, allowing you to focus on your work without distractions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a balanced sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness may be better suited for you. These switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile bump that can enhance your typing rhythm while offering a sound profile that complements the tactile feedback. Ultimately, assess what you value more—smoothness and quietness with the Ice King Linear, or tactile engagement and a richer sound with the Weightlessness. Your decision will lead to a more satisfying keyboard experience, tailored to your individual needs.
Mentioned in this article
