Durock Ice King Linear vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience and full nylon construction with generous factory lube, providing a frictionless and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear stands out for its innovative stem railings and discreet cutouts that reduce switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, offering a muted and subdued typing experience with unparalleled responsiveness. While the Ice King Linear may appeal to those seeking a creamier and more subdued feel, the WS Silent Linear is ideal for those looking for a quiet and precise 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall. Because both switches use the same housing material, users can expect to experience similar typing sensations and sound profiles when using either of these switches.
However, despite the similarities in housing material, there may be differences in the overall feel and sound of the Ice King Linear and the WS Silent Linear due to variations in design and construction. The placement of the nylon top and bottom housings can impact the typing experience, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the housing material is the same, subtle differences in design can lead to distinct typing experiences with each switch.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear use nylon for their housing materials, the overall typing experience may vary due to differences in design and construction. The properties of nylon, such as its softness and sound absorption, will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound. Users should consider how the placement of the nylon top and bottom housings may impact the overall typing feel and sound when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, we can see some differences in their weight. The Ice King Linear has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the WS Silent Linear's unknown actuation force, while both have a similar bottom out force of 62 grams and 63.5 grams respectively. This means that the Ice King Linear may feel slightly lighter to press initially, but both will require a similar amount of force to fully depress the key. This difference in actuation force could make the Ice King Linear more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the WS Silent Linear may be favored by those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force in relation to typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing these two switches, they offer the same key feel and feedback due to their identical travel distances. This means that whether you choose the Ice King Linear or the WS Silent Linear, you can expect a consistent typing experience with a similar amount of key travel. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and linear typing experience with a travel distance that is neither shorter nor longer than the other.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 noted for its subdued sound, which provides a dampened and subtle sound signature when compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a muted quality that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches aim to provide a quieter typing experience, but the WS Silent Linear may offer a more pronounced reduction in noise due to its unique design without silicone dampeners.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its nylon construction and factory lube that enhances smoothness and minimizes resistance. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear is described as providing a mild and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. While the Ice King Linear focuses on delivering a buttery and polished feel, the WS Silent Linear aims for a comfortable middle ground in terms of tactile feedback and keypress sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience with subdued sound, while the WS Silent Linear stands out for its noise reduction capabilities and mild typing feel. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or noise reduction in your typing experience, you can achieve similar results with either switch by considering factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are aiming for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force and noise reduction features, the WS Silent Linear switches could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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