Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King tactile and the Gateron Luciola stand out as unique options with distinct characteristics. The Ice King tactile is renowned for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with a blend of creamy smoothness and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola attracts attention with its glowing feature and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel accompanied by a distinctive sound profile. While the Ice King tactile fits into the smooth, frictionless, subdued, stepped, and polished categories, the Luciola falls under the snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished types. If you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a balanced tactile sensation, the Ice King tactile might be the one for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a unique glowing feature and a bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola could be your ideal choice. As we delve deeper into the specifics of each switch, you can better determine which one suits your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Luciola, it is evident that both switches use unique materials to achieve different sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Luciola incorporates a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, creating a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the choice between the softer, dulled sound of nylon in the Ice King Tactile and the sharper, clacky sound of the INK blend in the Luciola ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Furthermore, the split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials in each switch impacts the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material of a switch, such as the nylon in the Ice King Tactile, has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing material, like the INK blend in the Luciola, plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings adds complexity to the sound profile of each switch, giving users a nuanced typing experience depending on whether they are pressing or releasing a key.
While the Ice King Tactile and the Luciola offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials, the overall typing experience may yield similar results based on personal preferences. Both switches prioritize sound quality and offer unique typing experiences, with the Ice King Tactile providing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its nylon housing, while the Luciola delivers a brighter and clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend housing. Ultimately, users can choose between the two based on their preference for a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, more pointed sound when typing on their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is heavier than the Luciola. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. The difference in forces means that the Ice King Tactile will require a slightly firmer push to activate the keystroke and reach the bottom out compared to the Luciola. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola would be the better choice, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile would be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial and deliberate typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Gateron Luciola linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. However, the subtle difference between the two may be noticeable to some users. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker actuation with its shorter travel distance, while the Luciola linear switch provides a touch more depth with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial key press feel.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch presents a range of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that users of the Ice King Tactile switch can expect a more subtle acoustic signature compared to the more varied and potentially livelier sounds of the Luciola switch.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola switch is characterized by snappy, buttery, and polished sensations, offering a responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their tactile feedback, but users may perceive differences in the distinct nuances each switch offers.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch emphasizes a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola switch boasts smooth and bouncy typing feel with a range of sound profiles. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, users can choose between the more subdued and refined experience of the Ice King Tactile switch or the potentially livelier and varied experience of the Luciola switch. Ultimately, both switches excel in providing high-quality tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Luciola switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a pronounced tactile bump with a smooth and satisfying typing feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more buttery typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Luciola linear switch could be the better option. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, as the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued sound while the Luciola provides a variety of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sounds. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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