Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Durock Mamba are two popular options that offer unique typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile experience with a blend of smoothness and tactility. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a linear switch. While the Ice King Tactile offers a symphony of touch with its tactile bump, the Mamba delivers a creamy typing experience with its linear design. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Mamba, it is clear that both switches use nylon in their top housings. However, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Mamba's top housing is a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a sound profile that is described as pleasant and slightly brighter. While both switches use nylon in their top housings, the composition of the Mamba's top housing offers a different sound experience compared to that of the Ice King Tactile.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and the Mamba differ. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. In comparison, the Mamba's bottom housing is made of POM, creating a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights the different sound experiences that can be achieved with the two switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Mamba play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles and typing experiences of each switch. While both switches use nylon in their top housings, the Mamba's unique blend offers a brighter sound profile compared to the Ice King Tactile's duller and rounder sound. Additionally, the difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches results in distinct sound profiles, with the Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper sound and the Mamba's POM bottom housing creating a more muted tone. Despite these differences, the quality and construction of the housing materials in both switches ultimately contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Durock Mamba linear switch, which has unknown actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams to fully press down, while the Mamba needs 60 grams. In terms of weight, the Ice King Tactile is heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mamba is lighter, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Mamba linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel before the key actuates. The travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar typing experiences regardless of which one you choose. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. This switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed, which adds to its overall refined feel. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, thocky auditory experience. The Mamba switch offers a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users. In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Mamba switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and sleek finish. Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in tactile feedback and smoothness, while the Mamba switch offers a unique auditory experience and approachable typing feel. Both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Mamba switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Mamba would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feel or the linear typing experience in your mechanical keyboard setup. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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