Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock Ice King Tactile, known for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, and the Dareu Master, prized for its medium weight and classic clacky sound. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique tactile typing experience that blends smoothness with a satisfying bump, while the Master switch provides users with a medium weight option that is exceptionally smooth and emits a classic clacky sound. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, with the Ice King Tactile being silky and stepped, and the Master being mild and polished. When choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Master, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Master's POM top and bottom housings create a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles, but the materials used contribute to slightly different outcomes in terms of sound quality.
While both the Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Master utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the fundamental qualities of their respective housing materials remain consistent. The nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM housing of the Dareu Master offers a unique and pleasing sound that is more on the muted side. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a specific sound profile that caters to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Master housing materials boils down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing brings a rounder and deeper sound, the Master's POM housing offers a more unique and muted tone. Both switches promise a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles, demonstrating how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. Whether opting for the softer sound of nylon or the deeper resonance of POM, users are sure to find a switch that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. In contrast, the Master switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Master switch's lighter actuation force may be preferred by those looking for a more lightweight typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, determining whether a lighter or heavier switch is more suitable for the user.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Master switches, the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Master has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly longer than the Master. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Ice King Tactile may be the better option. On the other hand, for those looking for a faster response time and a more responsive feel, the Dareu Master's slightly shorter travel distance could be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise that can be described as crisp and percussive. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as a stepped switch, providing a more mild tactile feel compared to other switches. The Dareu Master linear switch, on the other hand, is noted for its mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone for most users. It also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile and Dareu Master switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience with smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, while the Dareu Master linear switch impresses with its medium weight and classic clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience desired. Both switches can provide a high-quality keyboarding experience, but users should consider their individual preferences to determine which one best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch or the Dareu Master linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smoothness, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic clacky sound with exceptional smoothness in operation and a more medium weight feel, the Dareu Master linear switch could be more suitable. Consider factors like bottom out force, sound signature, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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