Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can profoundly impact your typing experience, and the Durock Ice King Tactile and Neo Lavender HE offer two distinct paths to consider. The Ice King Tactile switch is celebrated for its unique blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, delivering a symphony of touch that elevates the tactile typing experience to new heights. This switch is characterized by its silky feel and polished performance, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a tactile response that is both satisfying and refined. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE is a hall effect switch known for its clean, low sound signature and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an exceptional option for users seeking a quieter yet responsive typing experience. While the Ice King Tactile caters to enthusiasts who revel in tactile feedback, the Lavender HE appeals to those who prioritize sound and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile switches and the Neo Lavender HE switches, it's important to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality signifies that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch. Nylon's properties as a softer plastic allow for enhanced sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The material effectively dampens the noise produced during key presses, leading to a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to the ear. Whether opting for the Ice King Tactile or the Neo Lavender HE, users will enjoy this distinctive acoustic characteristic inherent to both switches.
Despite both switches sharing nylon for their housing materials, differences in their designs might still influence the overall typing experience. Each switch may have unique internal components, such as springs or stem designs, that can affect the tactile feedback and sound produced during operation. While the nylon construction will ensure a consistent foundational sound and feel, the distinct traits arising from the individual switch designs could create a diverse user experience. As a result, users should pay attention to how the tactile feedback varies between the two, as this may enhance or detract from personal preferences in a typing experience.
Ultimately, the nylon top and bottom housing of both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Neo Lavender HE ensures that users will achieve a comparable sound profile, characterized by warmth and depth. The effectiveness of nylon in sound absorption means that while the typist may experience varying tactile sensations and spring characteristics, the foundational acoustic qualities will remain consistent across both switches. Therefore, consumers looking for a rich auditory profile and tactile satisfaction will find both options appealing, making the decision more about the user’s preferences for feel and feedback than the fundamental sound they produce.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch present distinct contrasts in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile switch features an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy option ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch boasts a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it optimal for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. This disparity in forces indicates that while the Ice King might provide a stronger tactile feedback, the Lavender HE allows for a quicker, easier keystroke with less strain. Therefore, if you're looking for a more effortless typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE is the lighter choice, whereas the Durock Ice King Tactile appeals to those who enjoy a firmer keypress feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile is the shorter option, offering a more responsive keystroke, which is favored by gamers who benefit from quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Lavender HE’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys, as it provides a more traditional typing experience. Consequently, if you prefer a switch that allows quicker presses, the Ice King Tactile would be the better choice. Conversely, if you're seeking a deeper and more tactile feedback, the Lavender HE is the way to go.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 is characterized by a subdued acoustic profile, producing a dampened sound during key presses. This allows for a typing experience that doesn't draw excessive attention while still offering a satisfying auditory feedback suitable for both casual and professional environments. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch is known for its clean, low sound, which may provide a quieter typing experience. However, since specific details on the sound profile of the Lavender HE beyond its general classification remain unknown, exact comparisons in sound output are somewhat limited. It's important to remember that the overall sound emitted by each switch can vary significantly based on the board it’s mounted on and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch shines with its silky and frictionless nature, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. This quality is complemented by a stepped tactile design, offering a clear bump during actuation while still maintaining a fluid motion. The polished finish enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing a sleek, refined feel throughout key presses. Unfortunately, the specific tactile and travel characteristics of the Neo Lavender HE switch remain unknown, making direct comparisons challenging. Given this uncertainty, it’s difficult to fully appreciate how the feel of the Lavender HE may compare to the smooth elegance of the Ice King Tactile.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Neo Lavender HE switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Ice King Tactile excels in creating a subdued sound and an impressive tactile experience, marked by its smoothness and defined bump. Meanwhile, while the Lavender HE offers a clean auditory experience, its tactile feel is less defined due to a lack of specific information. Potential users who appreciate a fully rounded performance might lean towards the Ice King Tactile for its demonstrated characteristics, while the Lavender HE may appeal to those seeking quieter operation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely rely on personal preferences for sound and typist feel, with the knowledge that each can create a satisfying performance in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a medium-heavy feel with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile is likely to be your go-to option. Its silky and frictionless action enhances the typing experience, providing a satisfying and refined touch that appeals to those who appreciate a more engaged interaction with their keyboard. The subdued sound profile ensures that it remains pleasant for both you and those around you, making it a strong candidate for an office environment or shared space.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an emphasis on a clean, low sound, the Neo Lavender HE switch could be your ideal choice. The lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for rapid typing, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers or those who tend to type quickly. The compatibility with Wooting keyboards enhances versatility, allowing for innovative applications that take advantage of hall effect technology. Each of these switches brings unique qualities to the table, so consider your typing preferences—whether it’s the tactile sensation and sound of the Ice King Tactile or the responsiveness and lightness of the Lavender HE—to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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