Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Melodic are two options that stand out for their unique features. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smooth feel combined with a pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic brings a modern twist to clicky switches with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a classic clicky sound with added smoothness. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Melodic is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Melodic both feature nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Melodic uses a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic switch creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those seeking a more clear and resonant typing sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind.
In terms of aesthetics, the differences between the housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and Gateron Melodic switches are evident. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic switch allows for a visually pleasing look, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile provides a classic and timeless appearance, prioritizing sound profile over visual appeal. While both switches offer unique acoustic experiences with their housing materials, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound preference and visual aesthetics.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Melodic switches play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The softer nylon used in both switches' bottom housings contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a satisfying typing feel. However, the top housing materials diverge in their impact on sound, with the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound created by the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic. Ultimately, whether one prefers the classic feel of nylon or the modern aesthetics of polycarbonate will dictate which switch provides the ideal typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is on the heavier side while the Melodic is relatively lighter. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Melodic has an actuation force of None grams (unknown) and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. The difference in weight between the two switches can cater to different preferences in typing experiences. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Melodic for longer typing sessions or gaming, while users seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the overall feel and performance of a switch, allowing users to choose based on their specific typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Melodic clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile switch. The difference may not be significant, but it can affect the feeling and response of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Ice King Tactile switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gateron Melodic clicky switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic produces a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, offering an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. Additionally, the Melodic switch also has a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, adding a unique element to its auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. With its two-stage keystroke feel, the Ice King Tactile provides a refined and sleek typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. The Melodic switch offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation for users.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Melodic switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a smooth and polished typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Melodic switch stands out for its invigorating feel and resonant sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different tastes. Ultimately, selecting between these switches would come down to individual preference for either a more subdued and silky typing experience or a more resonant and invigorating typing sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Melodic switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and refined tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound paired with a medium bottom out force and a snappy, reactive feel, the Gateron Melodic switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing feel. Choose the switch that best complements your typing style and preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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