Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Linear is celebrated for its beautifully smooth typing feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. Users can expect a combination of silky and frictionless feedback that makes every keystroke feel effortless, catering to those who prioritize a polished, creamy typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a different appeal with its unique combination of a PA12 top housing and a POM stem, delivering a softer acoustic profile alongside a distinctively crisp sound. This switch is ideal for users who desire a heavier touch and a subtle yet sophisticated auditory experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, making them intriguing options for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches use the same material for both their top and bottom housings—nylon. This shared material choice establishes a fundamental similarity between the two models, as nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to the softer composition of nylon, both switches are likely to deliver a muted, rounded sound when typed on, as the material absorbs more vibrations compared to harder plastics. Consequently, users can anticipate a consistent auditory experience, whereby the characteristics of both switches are intertwined, resulting in a sound that is warm and enveloping.
While both the Ice King Linear and the Xinhai (Heavy) provide similar sound profiles due to their nylon housings, the performance nuances may arise from other design elements or internal mechanisms beyond just the housing material. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced, influencing how the switch feels during bottom-out and releasing actions. In contrast, the top housing is more integral to the sound produced during key release. Therefore, although the materials may be the same, any differences in internal components, spring tension, or switch design could lead to variations in feel and typing experience between the two switches, despite their acoustic similarities.
In practice, as both switches showcase nylon as their sole housing material, users can expect comparable outcomes in terms of sound profile and sensitivity to vibration. However, the distinctive feel experienced might be driven by their structural designs or intended applications rather than the material itself. Overall, while both switches will inherently deliver a similar auditory performance due to the use of nylon, the subtleties in tactile feedback and user interaction may vary, highlighting the importance of additional design factors in switch performance. This means that while both the Ice King Linear and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share core acoustic characteristics, the additional elements within each may lead to diverging user experiences that are worth exploring.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, both exhibit similar characteristics, yet they also possess distinct differences that may influence user preference. The Ice King Linear switch features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This indicates that the Xinhai switch requires a bit more force to activate, making it the heavier switch of the two. Both switches have comparable bottom out forces, which means users will experience a similar level of resistance when pressing down fully. Ultimately, for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Ice King Linear may be more suitable, while users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel should lean towards the Xinhai (Heavy) switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it’s clear that the Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer of the two options. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The slight difference means that while both switches offer shorter travel distances than the traditional 4.0 mm, players seeking a more responsive experience would lean towards the Xinhai due to its marginally shorter travel distance. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Ice King Linear’s longer travel distance may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sensitivity and key feedback during use.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Linear switch can be characterized as subdued, producing a dampened sound that strikes a balance between not being entirely silent and offering a more subtle audio signature compared to many other mechanical switches. This quality makes it suitable for environments where noise levels matter, without sacrificing the tactile feedback that typists enjoy. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unspecified, which leaves its acoustic character open to interpretation but doesn't detract from its overall appeal. The inherent nature of a switch can vary widely based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, influencing the final sound output.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear excels with descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These terms indicate an exceptionally smooth typing experience resulting from the switch's full nylon construction and generous factory lubing. Users can expect a fluid key travel that enhances the overall typing experience, allowing their fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Unfortunately, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch is not detailed, which leaves potential users curious about how it might compare to the Ice King, known for its luxurious typing sensation.
In summary, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch is recognized for its subdued sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches offer an intriguing alternative, though less information is available on its sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet, pleasant typing experience coupled with fluid key action, the Ice King is an excellent choice. However, the unknown aspects of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch leave room for discovery, allowing enthusiasts to explore what unique qualities it may offer as they delve into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a consistently smooth and silky typing experience, the Ice King Linear is your go-to option, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, which delivers a luxurious, frictionless feel. This makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate a higher-pitched resonance and slightly more resistance in your keystrokes, you may lean towards the Xinhai (Heavy). Its unique PA12 top housing provides a softer acoustics profile, appealing to those who find joy in a more tactile yet refined typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a subdued, creamy sound with a polished touch, choose the Ice King; however, if you're seeking something with sophistication and a distinct, crisper sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) will better suit your needs.
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