Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect both typing experience and performance. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its exquisite blend of a pronounced tactile bump and a silky-smooth typing feel, offering a unique tactile experience that enhances the act of typing, making it ideal for users who enjoy a feedback-driven interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch is designed for those who prefer a linear switch experience; its low-pitched thocky sound and lightweight actuation force of just 42g provide a super smooth and satisfying feel with each keystroke, perfect for rapid typing or gaming sessions. While choosing the Ice King Tactile may cater to enthusiasts looking for tactile feedback, the Jelly supports users who desire seamless key presses and a quieter operation. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages suited to different preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Jelly both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which positions them within a similar realm of sound and feel characteristics. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, is celebrated for its unique ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows these switches to absorb sound effectively, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. Consequently, users can expect comparable acoustic results from both switches due to their shared construction material, which enhances the overall typing experience by providing a satisfyingly dampened sound signature.
When examining the top and bottom housings of each switch, the similarities extend beyond just material; both the Ice King Tactile and HMX Jelly are likely to feel and sound similar during both the actuation and bottoming out. Since the nylon acts to soften the impact, users can anticipate that both switches will exhibit a smooth tactile feedback, enhancing typing comfort. However, the nuances in sound may still arise due to slight variances in design or manufacturing tolerances, even with the same material. While the Ice King Tactile might offer a slightly different tactile response, the shared nylon material means both can provide that satisfying roundness to each keystroke.
In summary, despite potential minute differences in design, the Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Jelly switch housings share the same material profile, creating a unified experience for users who prioritize sound and feel. The impact of the nylon material in both the top and bottom housings ensures that, irrespective of any other variable, the properties of sound absorption and tactile feedback will deliver results that are similar for each product. This consistency in construction material reinforces the user’s experience, highlighting the reliability of nylon in keyboard switches and potentially making both options suitable for those who prioritize a rich auditory and tactile typing environment.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile requires an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a much lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which positions it firmly in the light category. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who prefer a heavier push that can enhance the tactile feedback during use. Conversely, the Jelly switch's lighter forces make it more forgiving for extended typing sessions, creating a more effortless experience, especially conducive for prolonged work or gaming. Overall, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option, while the HMX Jelly is the lighter choice, with significant differences in feel for users to consider based on their typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it's clear that they differ. The Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jelly features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more responsive, which can be advantageous for gamers or those seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Jelly's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a deeper feel in their switches. Thus, if you lean towards a responsive experience, the Ice King Tactile would be the better option, while the Jelly would appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
When examining the sound profiles of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Ice King Tactile is characterized by a subdued nature. This means that while it emits a noticeable sound when pressed, it does so in a way that is muted and less intrusive than many other switches. On the other hand, the Jelly switch is renowned for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which tends to resonate more prominently, adding to the auditory experience of typing. However, keep in mind that the ultimate perception of sound will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile excels with descriptors like silky, frictionless, and polished, leading to an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance throughout the key travel. The tactile bump is well-defined but feels gentle and refined, contributing to an effortless typing rhythm. On the contrary, information about the feel of the HMX Jelly linear switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Without specific descriptors for the Jelly's typing feel, it's hard to ascertain how it matches up against the Ice King's commendable characteristics.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Jelly switches present distinct audio and tactile experiences. The Ice King features a subdued sound profile complemented by a wonderfully smooth and refined typing texture, creating an engaging user experience. Meanwhile, the Jelly switch offers a more robust auditory signature with its deep thocky sound, but its tactile feel remains undefined. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches could provide satisfying results, but the Ice King Tactile currently stands out for its harmonized blend of tactile feedback and auditory subtlety.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Jelly linear switches, consider what you value most in your typing experience. If you appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and a more substantial bottoming out force, the Ice King Tactile is ideal for you. Its combination of silky smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump makes it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying sensation when typing and prefer more resistance, making it great for long typing sessions or for gaming where deliberate key presses may be advantageous. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a deeper, thocky sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch would be more suitable. With its low actuation force and sleek smoothness, this switch is perfect for fast typists or gamers who prioritize rapid key presses with less fingertip fatigue over tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and desired sound profile; both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying experience regardless of your selection.
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