Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile are two options that stand out. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile offers a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature that many users appreciate. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished', while the Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', 'Polished'. These distinctions can help users determine which switch may be the best fit for their typing style and preferences. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile both have top housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials are effective in providing a distinct sound profile, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile offers a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile produces a clearer and more resonant sound.
Conversely, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and the Medium Tactile utilize nylon. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a similar typing experience for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic composition of nylon helps absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. While the top housing may vary between the Ice King Tactile and the Medium Tactile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Overall, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile results in unique sound profiles for each switch. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top and bottom housing offer a deeper and fuller sound, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Despite the differences, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality and typing experience, showcasing how housing materials play a crucial role in the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Ice King Tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 68 grams compared to the Medium Tactile's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying typing experience. Those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Ice King Tactile for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Medium Tactile. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer similar results in terms of typing experience, with the main difference being in the specific weight of pressure required for each.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Medium Tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on typing feel and response time. Gamers tend to prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile for quicker key presses and actions, while those who prefer a more traditional typing experience with a deeper feel may opt for the Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the sound description for the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for providing a silky and frictionless typing experience. It offers an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance, making typing a pleasure. Additionally, it's described as having a polished finish, which contributes to a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch is characterized by its accented tactility, providing a noticeable but balanced bump without being overwhelming. It also features a stepped feel, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users and has a polished finish for smooth key travel.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a subdued sound and silky, frictionless feel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature and an accented, stepped feel that is mild and polished. While both switches have their own unique qualities, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option, depending on their preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile switches, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize a unique, satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, the Ice King Tactile switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound and a more approachable typing feel, the Medium Tactile switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer their own strengths and characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with what you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
