Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact both feel and sound. The Durock Ice King Tactile stands out for its unique combination of silky smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, making it a favorite for those who appreciate the nuanced feedback of tactile typing. This switch elevates the typing experience to an art form, delivering a satisfying blend of comfort and precision. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade leverages hall effect technology to produce a bright and clacky sound, offering a distinct auditory experience that can elevate the ambiance of your workspace, particularly when used in a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While the Ice King Tactile is ideal for those who prioritize a refined tactile interaction, the Magnetic Jade caters to users seeking enhanced acoustic feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Magnetic Jade exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This softer plastic helps to create a more muted sound, benefitting users who prefer a quieter and more cushioned feel when engaging with their keyboard. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade employs a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the resonance of each keystroke but also makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to diffuse effectively through the housing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they share the same material: nylon. This choice offers a consistent sound profile across both switches in terms of bottom-out feel and sound as both utilize the softer plastic's sound-dampening characteristics to yield a softer, rounder auditory experience. Because both switches have nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect similar traits in this particular aspect, providing an engaging tactile feedback without compromising auditory smoothness. The soft material contributes to a feeling of depth as users press the key down, allowing for a wholly immersive typing experience in both cases.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials create a unique interplay between the two switches. The Ice King Tactile excels in generating a subdued soundscape due to its softer nylon top, while the Magnetic Jade’s polycarbonate top elevates the sound to a brighter and more resonant pitch. Since the bottom housings are the same, the sound experience will be notably consistent during key travel for both switches, maintaining the depth and fullness that nylon provides. In contrast, the distinct properties of the top housings will shine through, influencing the final auditory feedback when the key is released, leading to a duality in experience that caters to different preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ice King Tactile necessitates a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and features a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade employs a considerably lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. This contrast means that users seeking long-term comfort, such as during long gaming sessions or work, might gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade for its ease, while those who favor feedback and a firmer push might prefer the Ice King Tactile. Overall, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option, while the Magnetic Jade is the lighter choice, allowing users to select the switch that best aligns with their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. As a result, users can expect a similar level of feedback and engagement when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This uniformity in travel distance contributes to a consistent typing experience across both types, allowing users to enjoy tactile feedback without significant differences in the depth of keypresses.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 presents a subdued audio profile, characterized by a dampened sound that is not entirely silent, yet softer compared to many traditional switches. This subtleness allows for a more contemplative typing experience, ideal for quiet environments where less auditory feedback is preferred. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is known for its bright and clacky acoustics, which provide an engaging auditory experience that’s likely to appeal to those who enjoy a pronounced typing sound. The Magnetic Jade’s auditory signature might resonate more with users who favor a lively and expressive keyboard soundscape.
Regarding feel, the Ice King Tactile switch excels with its silky and frictionless characteristics, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Users can expect a fluid keystroke travel, amplified by the switch’s polished finish, which reduces friction and enhances the overall typing sensation. Additionally, the Ice King is a stepped switch, offering a unique tactile feedback that combines the sensation of a pronounced bump with the refined smoothness of its movement. In contrast, the feel of the Magnetic Jade is currently unknown, leaving it open to interpretation based on personal preference.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a blend of a subdued sound profile and a luxuriously smooth tactile experience, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize a quiet yet responsive typing feel. Meanwhile, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch caters to those seeking a vibrant auditory experience with bright acoustics, though its tactile feedback properties remain undefined. Users looking for distinct qualities in their mechanical switches would do well to consider these differences to find the best fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a medium-heavy tactile switch that combines a pronounced bump with a silky and frictionless feel, the Ice King Tactile is your ideal option. Its subdued sound profile and smooth action create an exquisite typing experience that is especially suitable for professional environments or quiet settings where a quieter switch is preferred. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a clacky auditory feedback that enhances your gaming or typing sessions, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch will serve you well. Its medium-light force and brighter sound make it perfect for those who enjoy a more expressive and lively acoustic environment. Each switch excels in its right, so consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound when making your choice.
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