Durock Ice King Linear vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to introduce the Ice King Linear and the WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offering unique typing experiences for enthusiasts. The Ice King Linear is best known for its silky smooth feel and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. In contrast, the WS Red is known for its bouncy and responsive typing experience, with a 22mm double-stage spring providing a heavier actuation force for a satisfying and substantial feel. Each switch offers its own benefits and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will result in a similar experience of a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbing nature of nylon. The softer properties of nylon also contribute to a duller and rounder sound, which enhances the overall typing experience for users of either switch.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon as their housing material, the Ice King Linear and WS Red may still differ in terms of the overall typing experience they provide. The design and construction of the switches, as well as any additional features or modifications, can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing on each keyboard. While the nylon housing material may be similar, the switches themselves may have unique characteristics that set them apart in terms of sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Red may come down to personal preference and the specific qualities that each switch offers. While both switches share the use of nylon as their housing material, other factors such as switch design, actuation force, and key travel distance may influence the typing experience in a way that sets them apart from each other. Whether one prefers a deeper sound profile or a certain level of tactile feedback, it is important to consider all aspects of the switch design when making a decision between the Ice King Linear and WS Red.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Red switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Ice King Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear provides a lighter initial key press, while the WS Red offers a heavier overall typing experience. Both switches are in the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how much force one prefers when typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Red switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the WS Red switch may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a tactile feel when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Red comes in at $3.50 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 Ice King Linear linear switch is known for its subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Red linear switch is unknown. Depending on the factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Linear switch is described as providing a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, minimizing resistance and offering a buttery sensation while typing. Conversely, the feel of the WS Red linear switch is unknown, and thus it is unclear how it compares in terms of smoothness and typing experience.
Overall, the Ice King Linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. With its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, this switch provides a premium feel. Meanwhile, the WS Red switch is known for its responsive and bouncy typing experience, along with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke. While the specific feel and sound characteristics of the WS Red switch are not explicitly mentioned, both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results based on the provided information. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Linear and WS Red switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Linear or the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium actuation force, then the Ice King Linear would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and bouncy typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, then the WS Red might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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