Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Lime (V3) 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 Outemu Lime stand out as top contenders in the tactile switch category. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its impeccable blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switches are known for their lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and silenced operation, making them ideal for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a hint of tactility. While these general descriptions provide a starting point for decision-making, delving deeper into the nuances of each switch will help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Lime utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a classic switch housing experience. Typing on switches with nylon housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. This results in a rounder and duller sound that is preferred by many enthusiasts. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures a consistent typing experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable.
While both switches feature nylon housing materials, there may be slight differences in the overall typing experience based on the design and construction of the switches. The qualities of the housing material are divided between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities can lead to subtle variations in sound and feel between the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Lime, providing users with options to choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Lime ensures a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. The absorption of sound by nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that is appreciated by many users. Whether typing on the Ice King Tactile or the Outemu Lime, the softness of nylon plastic brings a certain level of comfort and satisfaction to the typing experience, making both switches a solid choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a reliable and pleasant typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Lime tactile switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams of force to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Lime switch only needs 35 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, classifying it as a light switch. This means that the Ice King Tactile will provide a more substantial typing experience, while the Outemu Lime will offer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for extended use and heavier switches for a more tactile feel. So, depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two switches to achieve the desired typing experience they are looking for.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of short travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a slightly deeper key press compared to the Lime tactile switch. This difference may be more noticeable to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Overall, both switches offer similar performance in terms of travel distance, with the Ice King Tactile switch having a slightly longer distance than the Lime tactile switch.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its symphony of touch, offering a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump that creates a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. On the sound front, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Moving on to the feel, this switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with a polished finish. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is highlighted for its lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silent operation. The sound of the Lime switch is described as neutral and muted, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. When it comes to feel, the Lime switch is characterized as mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue and a smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Ice King Tactile and Outemu Lime switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to cater to tactile typing enthusiasts. The Ice King Tactile provides a more pronounced tactile bump and creamy smoothness, accompanied by a subdued sound and silky, frictionless feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch focuses on lightweight tactility, silence, and a feathery light typing experience, with a neutral and muted sound profile, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, albeit with distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and Outemu Lime tactile switches, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced tactile bump and smooth typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a touch of tactility and a quieter sound profile, the Outemu Lime switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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