Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with finesse. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, crafting a creamy yet lightweight switch that is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. While the Ice King Tactile offers a silky and stepped typing experience, the Keygeek Raw provides a textured and subtle feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches use nylon in their housing materials, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Keygeek Raw switch takes it a step further by blending nylon with UPE in the top housing and UMPE with Si in the bottom housing, providing a unique combination exclusive to their switches. This blend may offer a different sound and feel compared to the Ice King Tactile, as the materials interact in a distinct way.
In terms of sound profile, both switches utilizing nylon in their housing materials will offer a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. The differences may lie in the specific blend of materials used in the Keygeek Raw switches, which could potentially alter the sound profile in a noticeable way. This could result in a slightly different typing experience between the Ice King Tactile and the Keygeek Raw, with the blend in the latter switch potentially offering a unique sound that sets it apart from other switches on the market.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw, the impact of each material on the sound and feel of the switch can vary. The bottom housing, which has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, may differ between the two switches due to the unique blends used in the Keygeek Raw switches. On the other hand, the top housing, which affects the sound when releasing a key, may showcase more noticeable differences between the Ice King Tactile and Keygeek Raw switches, providing users with a distinct typing experience based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's bottom out force of 68 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly heavier keystroke experience with the Ice King Tactile switch, while the Keygeek Raw switch may provide a slightly lighter typing feel. Both switches offer a medium level of force overall, making them suitable for a variety of users depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing feel each individual user prefers.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. However, the difference of 0.1mm between the two may not be noticeable to some users, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation despite the slight variation in travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much tactile feedback and key travel you prefer in your typing or gaming experience.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of 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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch presents a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a variety of uses. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as your keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished properties, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. On the contrary, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch is described as textured, mild, and subtle, providing users with a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. While the Ice King Tactile switch delivers a more pronounced tactile bump and smoother feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a slightly textured feel out of the box, with the option for enthusiasts to hand-lube for a tailored typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a luxurious and refined typing experience with its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, while the Keygeek Raw switch stands out with its unique material blend and potential for customization through hand-lubing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and customization options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a creamy smooth tactile experience with a pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter, slightly textured linear switch that can be easily lubed to your liking, then the Keygeek Raw switch would be more suitable. Consider the bottom out force, the material blend, and the sound and feel descriptors to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal preference for a tactile or linear typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
