Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Macchiato offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels with its remarkable blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a satisfying yet subtle tactile feedback as they type. Its silky feel and polished characteristics create a refined typing experience that is both engaging and precise. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato appeals to those who crave a pure linear experience, characterized by its clacky sound profile and feathery touch. This switch provides an incredibly fluid typing experience, ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speed over tactile feedback. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences—be it the satisfying tactility of the Ice King or the smooth, uninterrupted flow of the Macchiato. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Macchiato switches both feature nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom sections. This choice of material contributes significantly to the performance and auditory experience of the switches. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is ideal for users seeking a pleasant typing experience. As both switch models utilize nylon throughout, they are likely to deliver similar tactile feedback and sound characteristics, making them appealing to users who prioritize acoustic depth and a softer touch while typing.
While the top and bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile and Macchiato switches are identical in material, the roles they play in the overall sound profile and typing experience diverge slightly. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. Since both switches boast nylon in both housings, typists can expect a consistent sound signature across their keystrokes. Users can appreciate how the cumulative contributions of the nylon material in both locations provide a harmonious acoustic balance that favors a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying typing environment.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Macchiato may still differentiate themselves in user experience based on other design factors such as key travel, switch weight, and individual tactile elements unique to each model. However, in terms of fundamental sound and feel, the use of nylon in both top and bottom housings ensures that typists will enjoy a cohesive auditory experience with both switches. This consistency means that regardless of the choice between the two, users can expect comparable acoustic quality and tactile satisfaction, fostering a seamless transition between the two models if one desired to switch their keyboard configuration.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Macchiato linear switches present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile boasts an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Macchiato switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a preferable option for those who favor a lighter typing experience. Consequently, users who prefer a softer feel for extended typing sessions or gaming might lean towards the Macchiato for its ease of use. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and a stronger push feel will likely appreciate the heftier forces of the Ice King. Overall, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier switch, whereas the Macchiato is the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it's evident that they differ significantly. The Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Macchiato features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Ice King Tactile's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, particularly for gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. Conversely, the Macchiato's longer travel distance could provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a traditional keyboard experience. Therefore, if you favor speed and responsiveness, the Durock Ice King Tactile is the better choice, whereas the HMX Macchiato offers a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued auditory experience. Its dampened sound when pressed creates a more subtle sound signature that can be appreciated in quieter environments, ideal for those who prefer minimal distractions while typing. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, lending a crisp and percussive feel to every keystroke. This bright sound profile can energize a typing experience, particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback as they type.
When it comes to feel, both switches share a commendable silky smoothness that elevates the typing experience, but they diverge in other key aspects. The Ice King Tactile is enhanced by its frictionless and polished characteristics, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke with minimal resistance. This enables an effortless transition between keys, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. Meanwhile, the Macchiato switch incorporates a bouncy feel, providing an elastic feedback sensation that adds a lively element to each keystroke. Its feathery quality further reduces strain during long typing sessions, making it especially comfortable for users who may spend hours at their keyboards.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Macchiato switches offer distinctive typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice King’s subdued sound and smooth, frictionless feel make it perfect for users seeking a refined and quiet typing experience, while the Macchiato's clacky sound and bouncy, feathery characteristics appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant and lively typing sensation. Evaluating these subjective qualities will help newcomers determine which switch aligns better with their individual typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a robust, tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force and a smooth, polished feel, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent option for you, especially if you like a more subdued sound profile conducive for quieter environments or office settings. This switch is particularly ideal if you're a writer or programmer seeking a satisfying tactile response while maintaining a level of smoothness in your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a clacky, bright sound that enhances the auditory cues of each keystroke, the Macchiato linear switch may be the better choice. Its bouncy and feathery feel caters well to gamers or those who type for extended periods, as it minimizes finger fatigue and is designed to be effortlessly smooth. In summary, take into consideration your typing style, the environments in which you will be using your keyboard, and what you find most satisfying in terms of feel and sound when making your decision.
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