Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Light Sakura stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its perfect fusion of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that balances sensory feedback with fluid motion. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who relish a palpable response as they type and appreciate a refined, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura, being a linear switch, emphasizes a soft, silent keystroke that makes it an excellent choice for those who work in shared or office spaces. Its ultra-light touch reduces fatigue during prolonged typing sessions and ensures minimal noise, catering to individuals seeking both comfort and discretion in their typing experience. The contrast between the tactile feedback of the Ice King and the serene ease of the Light Sakura presents an interesting choice for typists. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and Bsun Light Sakura switches showcase a fundamental contrast in their housing materials, with each offering distinct auditory characteristics derived from their respective constructions. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound signature when typing. This softer plastic has sound-dampening properties, capturing and absorbing acoustic waves to yield a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced, making it more resonant and pronounced. If a user prefers a diverse typing sound experience, the Ice King Tactile is more suited for a deeper sound, whereas the Light Sakura promises a brighter auditory experience.
Delving into the bottom housings reveals a similar distinction between the two switches. The Ice King Tactile continues with a nylon construction for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile consistent with its top housing: deep, rounded, and softer. This cohesion contributes to a unified typing experience that minimizes harshness in sound, fostering a contemplative and enjoyable feel while typing. Conversely, the Light Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, enhancing its higher-pitched sound characteristic further. This combination promises a clear and impactful bottom-out sound that resonates well with users who enjoy a more tactile and significant auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches implement different materials, they showcase how the bottom housing can significantly influence the sound experience while typing.
Ultimately, the impact of housing materials is pivotal to how each switch feels and sounds during use. In cases where the top and bottom housings differ—as with the Ice King and Light Sakura—the contrasting qualities of nylon and polycarbonate manifest distinctly in their audio profiles and tactile feedback. For users who value a cohesive sound experience, the Ice King Tactile achieves this through its homogeneous housing material, whereas the Light Sakura can provide a more complex sound experience through its material distinctions. Each switch type can attract different types of users based on sound aesthetics; however, if one desires a blend of sound profiles, playing with switch combinations or adjusting typing techniques can lead to surprisingly enriched results, harnessing the characteristics of both materials effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch with the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy option favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch offers a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to users who may prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. This means the Ice King Tactile is the heavier switch, providing a stronger push feel, while the Light Sakura is significantly lighter, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. Since the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these switches, users should choose based on their personal preference for typing feel and the duration they plan to use the keyboard.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch reveals some key differences that can influence user preference. The Ice King Tactile features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Light Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Light Sakura is the longer option, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback with each press, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper engagement while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile, being the shorter switch, might be better suited for users seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can enhance speed. Overall, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in the switch 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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 emits a subdued tone, delivering a dampened sound upon actuation. This quality creates a desirable auditory experience that avoids overwhelming noise, making it suitable for quieter environments. While the exact sound characteristics of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch are not specified, its design as a silent switch suggests that it aims to produce minimal sound, likely aligning closely with the Ice King’s intent to remain unintrusive during use. Therefore, both switches provide a muted audio footprint, making them favorable choices for users seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile excels with a captivating combination of silky smoothness, frictionless operation, and a stepped tactile feedback. This results in a typing experience that is not only fluid but also engaging, allowing users to perceive a distinct tactile bump without any harsh or jarring sensations. The careful engineering behind the Ice King ensures that each keystroke feels effortless, thanks to its polished finish that reduces friction dramatically. The Bsun Light Sakura, on the other hand, is designed for ultra-light comfort, specifically catering to those who may need to type for extended periods. While the specific tactile sensations of the Light Sakura are unknown, its classification as a linear switch aligns with a smoother, uninterrupted keypress without tactile bumps, offering a different but equally pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to users seeking specific typing qualities. The Ice King Tactile shines with its rich tactile feedback combined with a subdued sound profile, providing a responsive and enjoyable feel. In contrast, the Light Sakura prioritizes silence and a lightweight touch, making it perfect for long typing sessions without noise disruption. Together, these switches present complementary yet distinct choices that can suit a variety of needs in a mechanical keyboard setup, allowing users to tailor their typing experiences to their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a creamy smooth typing experience, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent choice, especially for those moments when you want to relish every keystroke. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 68 grams provides a satisfying resistance that caters to typists who appreciate tactile bumps in their switches. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and gentle typing experience, particularly in work settings or shared spaces, the Light Sakura's ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43 grams makes it perfect for extended typing sessions without the risk of disturbing others. Its silent operation and comfort-focused design ensure that you won’t experience fatigue, allowing you to type for hours in peace. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels, enabling you to enhance your typing experience according to your specific needs.
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