Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch, one can see the distinct qualities each switch possesses. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a unique tactile typing experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is celebrated for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a popular choice among the mechanical keyboard community. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished', the Ink Black V2 is labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in 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
58g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Black V2, it is clear that both switches utilize top and bottom housings made of different materials. The Ice King Tactile features nylon top and bottom housing known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is considered more satisfying to some users. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings, producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky but not overly sharp.
While both switches use different housing materials, they ultimately achieve similar results in terms of sound profile. The Ice King Tactile's nylon housing creates a deep and fuller sound, while the Ink Black V2's INK blend housing produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer users a unique typing experience that may cater to different preferences. Whether one prefers a rounder, duller sound or a sharper, clacky sound, both options cater to various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Tactile will contribute to the deep and fuller bottom-out sound, whereas the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 will enhance the pointed and high-pitched sound. Similarly, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile will influence the sound upon key release, while the INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 will produce the clacky sound that users enjoy.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and Gateron Ink Black V2 switch reveals some differences and similarities. The Ice King Tactile has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 60 grams, making it a tad easier to trigger keystrokes. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 68 grams and 70 grams respectively, which means they provide a similar resistance when pressing the keys all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Ice King Tactile may be the better option. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Ink Black V2 would be the choice with its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in deciding which switch is the right fit for individual typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we find that the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2, making it ideal for those who prefer a faster response time. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose according to their preferences for responsiveness and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile for $4.20.
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Tactile switch is known for producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a dampened and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as low-pitched, bassy, and even chirpy, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a unique chirp to its sound profile. The sound of both switches will also depend on additional factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used, but the Ice King Tactile leans towards a quieter typing experience while the Ink Black V2 offers a richer and potentially more varied sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance during key presses. Additionally, the stepped design of the Ice King Tactile provides a mild tactile bump with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction and promotes fluid key travel. Both switches offer a polished feel, but the Ice King Tactile focuses more on a pronounced tactile feedback while the Ink Black V2 emphasizes a smooth and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a satisfying and pronounced tactile typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a smooth and polished linear feel with a low-pitched and bassy sound signature. While these switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, both can provide a premium typing experience depending on your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with a unique tactile bump or a smooth linear feel with rich sound characteristics, both the Ice King Tactile and the Ink Black V2 switches offer top-tier mechanical keyboard options for enthusiasts seeking high-quality switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you value a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Ink Black V2 is the better option. Additionally, consider the sound profile you prefer, with the Ice King Tactile offering a subdued sound and the Ink Black V2 providing a low-pitched and bassy tone. When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile is silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, while the Ink Black V2 is described as mild and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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