Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Red stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its unique blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that seamlessly combines the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, perfect for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished', the Jupiter Red is labeled as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Red feature top housings with unique characteristics that impact the sound profile of the switch. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic properties, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. While the Ice King Tactile focuses on a deeper sound experience, the Jupiter Red emphasizes a more distinct and pronounced auditory feedback.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches consist of nylon material, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect consistent sound characteristics when typing on either the Ice King Tactile or the Jupiter Red. Despite having different top housings, the shared bottom housing material delivers a familiar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Red will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel. The Ice King Tactile's combination of nylon top and bottom housings creates a softer and deeper sound experience, while the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound profile. While both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their shared nylon bottom housing, the decision between the two will come down to whether a user prefers a rounder, fuller sound or a crisper, higher-pitched sound while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is heavier in both aspects. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which qualifies it as a medium switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Jupiter Red make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where lighter key presses are preferred. In contrast, the heavier forces of the Ice King Tactile provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Red switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster reaction speeds. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing settings and preferences. Both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience in terms of sound, although the Ice King Tactile may offer a quieter option for those seeking a more discreet typing experience.
In the realm of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished attributes, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These qualities enhance the overall smoothness of typing and minimize resistance, providing a luxurious feel with each keystroke. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch boasts polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics, delivering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction. Both switches prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them ideal choices for users who value comfort and tactility in their keyboards.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Jupiter Red switches each have unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a pronounced tactile bump and a symphony of touch, while the Jupiter Red offers a seamless and consistent typing experience with its linear design. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a high level of quality and performance from both switches, ensuring that they will achieve similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, the Ice King Tactile may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a seamless and consistent typing experience with a medium actuation force and softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should align with your desired sound, feel, and overall typing preferences to enhance your typing experience to its fullest potential.
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