Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Lupine mechanical keyboard switches, it all boils down to your preference for typing experience. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine linear switches provide a consistent weight distribution while typing and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile. Both switches have their own set of qualities that make them stand out. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Lupine differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing materials gives each switch a distinct sound characteristic, with the Ice King Tactile providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Lupine's clear and resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and the Lupine utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound for both switches. While the top housing materials may differ between the Ice King Tactile and the Lupine, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar sound profile when typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Ice King Tactile and the Lupine results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the differences in the top housing materials lead to distinct sound characteristics between the two switches. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound from the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing or a sharper and crisper sound from the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a lighter touch with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. While some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lupine switch for extended typing sessions, others may prefer the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier actuation force of the Ice King Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular for their responsiveness. The Ice King Tactile has the shorter travel distance of the two, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quicker response time. On the other hand, the Lupine linear switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the travel distance that feels most comfortable and efficient for the individual.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 Ice King Tactile offers a subdued switch experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Lupine provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, along with a high-pitched sound when pressed. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be more suitable for you, while the Lupine offers a more classic clacky sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile is known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished attributes, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. The Lupine, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness, with the Ice King Tactile offering a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the Lupine's linear feel.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile and Lupine switches offer distinct typing experiences catering to different preferences. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and a subdued sound, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear feel with a more classic clacky sound, the Lupine could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches prioritize smoothness and provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get quality results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Lupine switches, you should consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, along with a classic clacky sound profile, then the Lupine switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with the Ice King Tactile or a smooth linear typing experience with the Lupine switch.
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