Durock Ice King Linear vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both offer impressive performance but cater to different preferences among typists. The Ice King Linear stands out for its silky smooth typing experience, attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a frictionless and polished feel during use. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more subdued and creamy typing experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize smooth keystrokes. Conversely, the WS POM+ switch is celebrated for its all-POM design, which produces a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature paired with a buttery feel, ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a tactile presence while typing. While both switches share the linear category and promise a smooth experience, they provide distinctly different sensations and sounds, appealing to various user 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches present a fascinating comparison in their construction and the sonic profiles they produce. The Ice King Linear incorporates nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This classic switch housing material is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by sound absorption properties that tend to result in a more muted auditory experience. This inherent softness of nylon leads to a rounder sound upon keypress, which can appeal to users seeking a more subdued typing experience.
Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for providing a unique and pleasing sound signature, also leaning towards a deeper and relatively muted profile. While the WS POM+ offers a sound distinct from nylon, the overall result remains similar in that both materials foster a sound environment that is less harsh than what might be produced with harder plastics. In this regard, the POM housing captures some of the desirable characteristics of nylon, creating a typing experience that prioritizes a fuller sound without the clogginess that can sometimes accompany starkly resonating materials.
In terms of performance under pressure, the different materials would influence user experience through the unique acoustics they foster. For the Durock Ice King Linear, the nylon housing contributes equally to the sound and feel during both the bottom-out and release phases of keystrokes. In contrast, the WS POM+'s POM constructions provide a different tactile and auditory experience, where users might note variation in sound articulation during key release. Nevertheless, despite their material differences, both switches harness the qualities of their respective housings in ways that emphasize softer, deeper sound profiles, ensuring that typing enthusiasts achieve similarly pleasant, well-rounded auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the WS POM+ more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel with a stronger push may lean towards the Ice King Linear. Overall, the Durock Ice King is the heavier switch, offering a more resistant typing experience, whereas the WS POM+ is lighter and could enhance comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Ice King Linear offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS POM+ has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ice King is the shorter option by 0.1 mm, providing a more responsive feel that caters to gamers who may prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. Conversely, the WS POM+, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a sturdier tactile experience. Both switches, while close in distance, highlight the ongoing trend toward customizable preferences in switch feel among keyboard enthusiasts. If responsiveness is your priority, the Durock Ice King Linear is the better choice, but for those who appreciate a bit more depth, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is the way to go.
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 Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its subdued characteristics, producing a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to other switches, which can be beneficial in quiet environments or for users seeking a more discreet typing experience. While the Ice King Linear provides a softer auditory feedback, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch remains unmentioned, leaving us unsure of its specific sound characteristics. However, it is important to remember that the final sound output is influenced by various factors such as the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the typing technique employed.
When we consider the feel of these two switches, the Ice King Linear excels with a range of descriptors that highlight its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. Users can expect an exceptionally smooth keystroke with minimized resistance, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. This switch creates an environment where the fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the feel of the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is not specified in the given information, making it difficult to draw comparisons regarding tactile feedback or travel smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers users a notably subdued sound and an impressively smooth feel characterized by various descriptors, the specifics of the WS POM+ switch remain largely unknown, particularly regarding its sound and tactile experience. If you prioritize a quiet typing session coupled with a luxurious feel, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice. However, without comparative details for the WS POM+, potential users can only speculate about its performance characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and force required for actuation. If you appreciate a medium actuation force and desire a typing experience that is exceptionally smooth with a silky, frictionless, and creamy feel, then the Ice King Linear is likely the better choice for you. Its subdued sound profile, combined with generous factory lubrication, creates a refined experience that minimizes noise while delivering fluid keystrokes—perfect for both quiet environments and longer typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams and are drawn to a switch that produces a deeper, satisfying "thock" sound signature, the WS POM+ could be more aligned with your needs. This all-POM switch promises a buttery-smooth feel that can cater to your desire for a quieter yet more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique charm, so consider your typing habits and environment when making your decision.
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