Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile typing experience that merges smoothness and tactility seamlessly. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its lively sound signature and effortless typing experience, thanks to its unique green and white color scheme. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Mahjong is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong both prioritize sound quality and durability. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Mahjong combines a POK top housing with a nylon bottom housing to achieve smooth, clacky, and durable switches. While both switches provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, the POK material in the Mahjong enhances smoothness and durability significantly.
However, the key difference between the two switches lies in the materials used for their top housing. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Mahjong's POK top housing enhances smoothness and durability, as well as delivers a clacky typing experience. This distinction in top housing materials affects the overall sound profile and feel of each switch, making them appealing to different preferences and typing styles. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize quality sound and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong differ in their top housing materials, they both offer a unique typing experience characterized by deep and full sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile's nylon housing provides a softer and duller sound, while the Mahjong's POK material delivers a smooth and clacky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with both options guaranteeing a high-quality and durable typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Mahjong lighter in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams while the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unknown. This difference in bottom out force indicates that the Ice King Tactile may provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Mahjong. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mahjong for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Ice King Tactile for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The ICE King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time of the shorter travel distance on the Ice King Tactile, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may gravitate towards the slightly longer travel distance on the Dareu Mahjong. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response time.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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
The Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a dampened sound when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, suitable for various typing environments. When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with refined key travel. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and mild typing feel, along with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch delivers a unique tactile typing experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile sensation. The Mahjong switch, on the other hand, stands out with its lively poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience. While both switches offer polished finishes for smooth key travel, the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a more subdued sound profile and a silky typing feel, whereas the Mahjong switch caters to those who prefer a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a uniquely satisfying typing experience, you should choose the Durock Ice King Tactile. The Ice King Tactiles offer a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump that creates a symphony of touch, making it a top choice for tactile enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a distinctive sound signature and effortless typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong is the way to go. The Mahjong switches have a lively, poppy sound and a smooth typing experience that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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