Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes clear that they each offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a euphoric typing experience that blends the best of both worlds seamlessly. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown excels in offering a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, perfect for those who prefer a traditional yet innovative switch. While the Ice King Tactile is lauded for its silky and frictionless feel, the Jupiter Brown boasts high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Ice King Tactile Tactile

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The main difference between the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Brown lies in the material used for their top housing. 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. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This contrast in sound profiles gives users different options to choose from based on their preference for typing sound.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share the same nylon material. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softness of nylon which absorbs sound effectively. Despite the difference in the top housing material, the bottom housing's impact on the sound and feel of bottoming out keys will remain consistent between the Ice King Tactile and Jupiter Brown switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when pressing down on keys with either switch.

In summary, while the top housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and Jupiter Brown switches differ in terms of the sound profile they produce, the bottom housing materials remain the same, resulting in a consistent typing experience when it comes to the sound and feel of bottoming out keys. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on whether users prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile provided by nylon, as seen in the Ice King Tactile, or a sharper and crisper sound profile offered by polycarbonate, as found in the Jupiter Brown. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound.

Weight

The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Ice King Tactile has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. However, the Ice King Tactile requires a heavier bottom out force of 68 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 70 grams. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of weight, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly lighter in actuation force and the Jupiter Brown being slightly heavier in bottom out force. This difference may result in a slightly lighter feel when typing on the Ice King Tactile and a slightly more solid push feel when typing on the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch's 4 mm travel distance. The Ice King Tactile will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Jupiter Brown, making it a popular choice among gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile to be too abrupt, preferring the deeper feeling of the Jupiter Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the overall typing experience desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown, which has no specific sound description provided. The Ice King's dampened sound creates a subtle and smooth auditory experience, adding to the overall typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Jupiter Brown remain unknown, leaving room for personal exploration and discovery based on individual preferences and setup.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished tactile feedback. These characteristics contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance and enhanced key travel comfort. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is described as offering a mild, polished, and stepped typing feel, which also prioritizes smoothness and refined finish while maintaining a gentler keystroke response. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and approachable tactile experience, with slight differences in the overall sensation.

Considering the information available, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer unique qualities that cater to tactile typing enthusiasts. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a pronounced tactile bump with a smooth and creamy feel, the Jupiter Brown focuses on a more traditional keystroke experience with a medium-heavy weight and enhanced backlight effects. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that each user can find a suitable match for their mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In closing, 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 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional tactile switch with a classic keystroke feel and medium-heavy weight, the Gateron Jupiter Brown would suit your preference. Both switches offer high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects, but the Ice King Tactile stands out for its silky, frictionless feel, while the Jupiter Brown offers a more mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as both switches excel in different aspects of tactile typing. Choose wisely based on your individual preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Ice King Tactile Tactile

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more