Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the optimal typing experience. The Durock Ice King Tactile stands out for its harmonious blend of a creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying typing experience that elevates tactile feedback to an art form. This switch caters to those who appreciate a firm yet pleasant sensory response while typing. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch reimagines the iconic Black Cherry Pie switches with a design that eliminates the hassles of disassembly, presenting a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy feel that provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. The signature poppy and clacky sound of the BCP adds an auditory dimension that many enthusiasts find appealing. While the Ice King Tactile is ideal for users seeking a tactile and responsive feel, the Kailh BCP is perfect for those who favor smooth, linear action without the interruption of bump feedback. 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

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When evaluating the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Kailh BCP switches, it's notable that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice is significant as nylon is recognized for its classic qualities in switch construction. The inherent softness of nylon means that switches made from this material generally produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches made from harder plastics. This characteristic makes the auditory experience when typing on either switch particularly appealing, as both offer a rounded and muffled sound that can enhance the overall typing experience.

Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Kailh BCP switches promise similar acoustic qualities thanks to their identical use of nylon across both the top and bottom housings. Since the sound profile is largely shaped by the materials used in the switch's construction, users can expect a comparable typing experience. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound reduces high-frequency noise while emphasizing lower frequencies, which is beneficial for those seeking a more pleasant and subdued auditory feedback. In both cases, the uniformity of the nylon material throughout the housing plays a crucial role in delivering a consistent performance characteristic across both switch types.

However, while they may share the same material properties, the overall user experience could be influenced by other design elements of each switch, such as their internal components and actuation mechanisms. These factors can affect the tactile feedback and bottom-out feel, leading to differing subjective experiences when typing. Nevertheless, given that both switches feature nylon housings, typists can generally anticipate a similar sound profile, which may allow users to enjoy the benefits of nylon's acoustic dampening attributes no matter which switch they choose.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile requires an actuation force of 58 grams, which is heavier than the Kailh BCP's 52 grams. This difference suggests that those who favor a lighter typing experience may prefer the BCP switch, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the Ice King Tactile's 68 grams again surpasses the BCP's 63.5 grams, indicating that the Ice King will also feel heavier at the bottom. Thus, while both switches are classified as medium-heavy, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option overall. The Kailh BCP might be better suited for those who type for extended periods or engage in gaming sessions that benefit from a lighter touch, whereas the Ice King Tactile could appeal to users seeking a more substantial, tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, both switches exhibit the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable keypress experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. With identical travel distances, both switches will yield similar results regarding tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent key travel feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch produces a subdued auditory profile, offering a dampened sound that creates a more subtle typing experience than many other switches. While it isn't completely silent, this switch aims to create an atmosphere conducive to focused work without the distractions of loud keystrokes. In comparison, the Kailh BCP linear switch is noted for a poppy and clacky sound profile, which adds a lively character to the typing experience. This distinct sound can contribute to a more engaging and noticeable interaction with the keyboard, although it's important to remember that both sounds will ultimately be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch shines with its silky, frictionless typing experience. It features a stepped tactile bump that gives users a clear sense of engagement without overwhelming resistance, making it a joy to type on. The switch is polished, which enhances the smoothness and results in a refined feel throughout the keystrokes. On the other hand, while the Kailh BCP switch is described as bouncy and elastic, specific tactile and smoothness qualities haven’t been detailed, leaving some aspects of its feel less defined. Generally, linear switches like the BCP tend to provide smooth travel without tactile feedback, making them feel different compared to the pronounced bump of the Ice King Tactile.

In summary, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a subdued sound, allowing for minimal noise, while providing a silky and polished typing feel accentuated by its tactile design. The Kailh BCP, with its poppy and clacky sound, delivers a vibrant auditory experience, though its feel remains less detailed in this context. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences; if you prioritize a resounding auditory highlight, the BCP may suit you better, whereas the Ice King Tactile caters more towards those who appreciate a refined tactile experience with a quieter sound profile.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Kailh BCP linear switch largely depends on the typing experience you seek. If you prioritize a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a creamy and silky smooth feel, the Ice King Tactile might be your best bet. This switch excels in providing a medium-heavy resistance that ensures you can feel each keystroke distinctly, allowing for a more deliberate typing style that some users find satisfying and engaging. Its subdued sound profile also makes it an excellent option for shared workspaces or quiet environments, where you want to minimize noise while still enjoying a rich tactile experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more lively and dynamic typing experience characterized by a bouncy feel and a signature poppy sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch could be more suitable. With its slightly lighter actuation force, the BCP promotes rapid typing and fluid movement, which can be ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value tactile feedback or smooth linear action, and whether you need a quieter typing experience or prefer a more pronounced auditory response.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Ice King Tactile Tactile

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more