Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Xinhai, both of which are linear switches. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. In contrast, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Ice King Linear is described as 'silky', 'frictionless', 'subdued', 'creamy', and 'polished', the Xinhai is characterized as 'bouncy', 'clacky', and 'creamy'. Depending on your preferences, you may be drawn to the smoothness of the Ice King or the distinct acoustics of the Xinhai. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Xinhai utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic materials. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both keyboards will offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the Ice King Linear and Xinhai vary significantly. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing. On the other hand, the Xinhai uses a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its relatively stiffer plastic material. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the use of polycarbonate in the Xinhai's top housing may provide a more resonant and clear sound compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Xinhai significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each keyboard. While both keyboards share a nylon bottom housing for a consistent sound profile during typing, the difference in top housing materials between nylon and polycarbonate results in distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate housing, both keyboards offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai is the lighter of the two, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Ice King Linear has a medium actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Xinhai provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a more substantial push feel, suited for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Both switches provide unique benefits based on their force requirements, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai linear switch. In terms of responsiveness, the Xinhai linear switch may provide a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch may offer a more substantial feel with its slightly longer travel distance, suitable for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired level of responsiveness.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature that's not completely silent. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch provides a clacky sound, described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound profile of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance and friction. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is noted for its bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery feel similar to the Ice King Linear switch.
Taking all available information into account, the Ice King Linear and Xinhai linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear provides a more subdued sound and a silky smooth typing experience with reduced resistance, the Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy typing feel with a lively feedback sensation. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying experience, ensuring that typing enthusiasts can achieve their desired sound and feel preferences with either of these high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Xinhai linear switches, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a smoother and more frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncier, more elastic feedback sensation, the Xinhai switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Trust your instincts and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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