Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew LT offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT stands out with its deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide with each keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile excels in offering a blend of smoothness and tactility, the Gazzew LT impresses with its auditory experience and smooth keystrokes. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew LT both feature housing materials that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer plastic quality that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the materials may differ, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound depth and quality.
In terms of the top housing material, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing and the Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer properties of nylon in the Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew blend in the LT result in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Both materials excel in absorbing sound, creating a more satisfying sound profile for users who appreciate a deeper sound when typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew LT also play a significant role in the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Tactile and the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softness of both materials allows for a more tactile and impactful typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. Despite the different materials used for the top and bottom housings, both switches provide a similar level of satisfaction in terms of typing sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we find that the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch has a lower actuation force, which is unknown, but a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider as it can affect the typing experience. Some users may prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew LT switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the LT switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. If you prefer a bit more depth in your key presses, the Ice King Tactile switch may be the better option for you, while the Gazzew LT switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those looking for a quicker response. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and how you like the feel of the switches when typing or gaming.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a more subtle and refined auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound, creating a deep and rich tone with every keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile leans towards a quieter and more elegant sound, the LT switch delivers a more pronounced and resonant acoustic feedback, catering to those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch enhances the overall typing feel, providing a sleek and refined experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch is not provided, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a subdued sound and silky smooth feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking a linear switch with a bassy and thocky sound profile, the Gazzew LT switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so selecting the one that aligns with your desired typing experience is key.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the Gazzew LT switch, you should take into account your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, along with a subdued sound signature, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect option for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch that provides a deep and resonant thocky sound with a seamless glide, the Gazzew LT switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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