Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Box Black offer distinctive features that cater to different typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its impeccable tactile feedback, providing a smooth and pronounced bump that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and subtle sound profile, offering a more linear feel. While the Ice King Tactile switch is perfect for those who crave a satisfying tactile sensation, the Ink Box Black switch is ideal for users who prefer a quieter and smoother 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials in their top and bottom housings. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which yields a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend top housing creates a thinner and higher-pitched sound.
Additionally, when examining the bottom housings of these switches, the Ice King Tactile and the Ink Box Black once again showcase their differences in sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is characterized as clacky. This distinction between the bottom housing materials further emphasizes the unique sound profiles of each switch when pressed or bottomed-out. The different housing materials play a significant role in defining the overall acoustics and typing experience of these switches.
Despite their differences, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Box Black demonstrate the importance of housing materials in influencing the sound profiles of mechanical switches. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile provide a consistent deep and dull sound, whereas the INK blend top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Black offer a sharp and clacky sound. While the specific qualities may vary, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, ensuring that enthusiasts have a variety of options to choose from based on their preferred sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black switch which has a 60-gram actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King at 68 grams and the Ink Box Black at 70 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. The Ice King Tactile may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Ink Box Black may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar level of resistance, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the choice between the two. Ultimately, the decision between the Ice King Tactile and the Ink Box Black comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black switch, we see that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Ink Box Black's 3.6 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have a noticeable impact on the overall feel and response of the switch. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Box Black may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Tactile switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a sharp and crisp snapping sound. Depending on your preference, the Ice King Tactile would be a quieter and more understated option, while the Ink Box Black would give a more pronounced and percussive sound with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, both switches share similar qualities of being silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ice King Tactile switch is also described as frictionless, providing an effortless typing sensation, while the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is not specified in terms of being frictionless but does offer a sleek and refined typing experience. Additionally, the Ice King Tactile is noted for its stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile experience, whereas information on the tactile feel of the Gateron Ink Box Black is not provided.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer high-quality typing experiences with their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a nuanced and satisfying tactile experience with a subdued sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black stands out for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel coupled with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and satisfaction with either of these premium mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is a great choice. Its creamy smoothness and tactile bump blend together seamlessly to elevate your typing to an art form. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the way to go. It provides a pleasant typing experience with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Ultimately, the decision between the Ice King Tactile and the Ink Box Black comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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