Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Tactile stands out in the tactile category, offering a delightful blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump that elevates typing to an art form. Many users appreciate this frictionless feel paired with a subdued and polished response, making it an exceptional choice for those who enjoy feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches represent an innovative linear option, featuring a unique design with a POK stem and a housing made from a mix of Nylon and POM. This combination provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that many typists and gamers prefer for rapid input and a quieter experience. Both switches have their unique charms—Ice King Tactiles cater to those who value tactile feedback, while Mars switches appeal to those who favor fluidity and speed. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Mars switches share a key similarity in their top housing material, which is both made from nylon. This commonality results in a certain acoustic profile that sets them apart from many other mechanical switches. Since nylon is known for its softer texture, both switches are likely to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typed upon. This sound quality is achieved through the material's ability to absorb sound rather than reflect it, leading to a sound that is rounder and less sharp. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a comparable auditory experience during typing sessions, highlighting the reliability of nylon as a preferred housing material in switch construction.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mars differ significantly, with the former utilizing nylon and the latter featuring POM. While the nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Tactile continues to contribute to that deep sound profile consistent with its top housing, the POM construction of the Mars introduces its unique characteristics. POM, known for its rigidity compared to nylon, results in a sound that is also muted, but with a slightly different acoustic signature. This difference suggests that while both switches aim for a pleasing sound, they do so through the distinct contributions of their respective bottom housing materials. The tactile feedback experienced when bottoming out the switch may therefore vary between the two due to these material dissimilarities.
The interaction between the housing materials further emphasizes their roles in the overall typing experience. The Ice King Tactile, with nylon for both the top and bottom housing, offers a more cohesive sound experience where the fibers work synergistically to create a softer impact both on the downstroke and the upstroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, with mismatched housing materials, might present a more complex sound dynamic; although the top still maintains a muted, fuller sound, the bottom's POM can influence the tactile feedback and auditory response differently when bottoming out. This nuanced variation highlights how the synergy of material properties in each switch can determine not only the perceived sound but also the overall tactile sensation experienced by the user, making the choice between them a consideration of preference in both sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ice King Tactile has a firm actuation force of 58 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier feel in their keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who desire less resistance during typing, which can help reduce fatigue during extended use. While the Ice King also has a defined bottom out force of 68 grams, indicating a noticeable feel when the key is fully pressed down, the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unspecified. This means that while the Ice King offers a more tactile and heavier experience overall at both actuation and bottom out levels, the Mars switch remains lighter in terms of actuation but lacks the same clarity regarding its bottoming-out characteristics. Users may gravitate towards the Ice King for a more robust feel, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Mars.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that the Ice King has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars offers a slightly longer distance at 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Ice King Tactile, you will experience a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Gateron Mars, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who favor a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference—whether one prioritizes quicker response times or a fuller typing experience.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 has a notably subdued audio profile. This means that while it is not completely silent, it produces a soft, dampened sound when pressed, making it a good choice for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a specified sound description, leaving its acoustic qualities less defined, which suggests that it may vary more widely depending on usage. It’s important to remember that the actual sound produced can significantly change based on the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile excels, offering an experience that can be characterized as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished. The silky smoothness enhances the typing experience by minimizing resistance, allowing for a fluid keystroke. The frictionless nature of the switch ensures that users can glide effortlessly across keys, which is further complemented by the stepped tactile feedback providing a two-stage sensation during typing. The polished finish enhances this experience, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch does not have any specified tactile characteristics, leaving a gap in understanding its overall feel.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its cohesive blend of subtle sound and an exceptionally refined tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch, while not detailed in terms of sound or feel, may still resonate well with users based on its unique design qualities. Depending on what aspects you prioritize in a mechanical switch—whether it’s a more subdued soundscape or a smooth tactile interaction—you can find suitable choices among these options. However, for those seeking an enriched tactile experience, the Ice King Tactile clearly delivers more definitive qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mars linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Ice King Tactile is the clear choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 68 grams ensures that you feel the tactile bump distinctly, which can improve typing accuracy and provide satisfaction with each keystroke. The silky and frictionless feel, along with its subdued sound profile, makes it ideal for both home and office environments where a quieter operation is desired. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a smoother, linear typing experience and enjoy the novelty of unique switch designs, the Gateron Mars would be a suitable pick, especially if you want a switch that excels in fluidity and minimal resistance. The blend of materials used in the Mars offers a different tactile experience that could appeal to gamers and typists alike, who prefer a fast and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile disruption. Ultimately, your choice will boil down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, linear feel in your mechanical keyboard.
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