Durock Ice King Tactile vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Jacaranda. The Ice King Tactile offers a blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda linear switch stands out with its gentle bottom-out force and extended 22mm spring, offering a bouncy sensation with every keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'silky' and 'polished', the Jacaranda is known for being 'clacky' and 'resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Jacaranda are quite different in terms of sound profile. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Jacaranda boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is more resonant. This contrast in housing materials leads to distinct typing experiences for users of both switches.
On the flip side, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ice King Tactile and the Jacaranda utilize nylon material. This means that while typing on both switches, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the Ice King Tactile and the Jacaranda switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. The softer nylon material used in both bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile and Jacaranda provides a duller and rounder sound profile, while the differences in their top housings result in distinct sound characteristics. Whether users prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience, making the choice between the Ice King Tactile and the Jacaranda a matter of personal preference based on sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams of force to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Jacaranda only needs 39 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may enjoy the Jacaranda for its lower actuation and bottom out forces, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ice King Tactile may appeal to those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when typing or gaming with either of these switches, you will get a similar feel in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Despite their differences in tactile feedback (one being tactile and the other linear), both switches offer the same level of key travel, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a consistent key 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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a clacky sound, with a sharp and snappy feedback that is crisp and percussive. Additionally, the Jacaranda has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a distinctive auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will largely depend on personal preference for sound, with the Ice King Tactile offering a quieter typing experience compared to the more audible Jacaranda.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Ice King Tactile and Jacaranda switches are described as offering a silky typing experience. This means that users can expect an exceptionally smooth and frictionless feel when typing on either switch. The Ice King Tactile is also noted for its polished and stepped feel, providing a refined and multi-stage tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch focuses on a silky smoothness without additional descriptors, emphasizing a seamless typing experience. Both switches prioritize smooth key travel and minimal resistance during typing, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable feel for extended periods of use.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and PH Studio Jacaranda switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile provides a subdued sound with a silky, polished, and stepped feel, while the Jacaranda switch produces a clacky sound with a silky smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump of the Ice King Tactile or the gentle bottom-out and unique bouncy sensation of the Jacaranda switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, and users can expect satisfying results from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a symphony of touch with a pronounced tactile bump, then the Ice King Tactile would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch that provides a bouncy sensation with a clacky sound profile, then the Jacaranda would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences, but the Ice King Tactile leans towards a subdued sound while the Jacaranda produces a clacky, high-pitched sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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