Durock Ice King Tactile vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star Meteor White stand out for their unique characteristics. The Ice King Tactile offers a blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with finesse. In contrast, the Meteor White boasts a gentle linear switch that is easy to push and offers a soft sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile emphasizes tactile feedback, the Meteor White focuses on a smooth and subtle typing experience. Each switch has its own merits, with the Ice King Tactile being ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel, and the Meteor White appealing to users looking for a softer, quieter typing experience. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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
Housing materials
Both the Ice King Tactile and Meteor White switches utilize nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound production.
However, the Ice King Tactile and Meteor White switches may differ in their housing design, with varying impacts on the overall typing experience. For example, if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing design could lead to subtle variations in typing feel and sound between the two switches.
In essence, while the Ice King Tactile and Meteor White switches both feature nylon housing materials that result in similar sound profiles when typing, the design of their top and bottom housings may lead to slight differences in the overall typing experience. Despite this, users can still expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience from both switches due to the shared characteristic of nylon as the housing material.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, we can see that the Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Meteor White, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Ice King Tactile is 68 grams, heavier than the 57 grams of the Meteor White. This means that the Ice King Tactile is heavier overall compared to the Meteor White, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. On the other hand, the Meteor White is lighter and may be better for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where a lighter touch is preferred. While the specific actuation force for the Meteor White is unknown, it is safe to assume that it would likely result in a similar typing experience in terms of force required compared to the Ice King Tactile due to the similar bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Meteor White linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile switch. In terms of preference, gamers may opt for the Ice King Tactile switch with its shorter travel distance for faster response times, while others may prefer the Meteor White switch for its slightly deeper key press. 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, but can also produce a thocky sound - deep, rich, and satisfying. The sound of a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard board and keycaps used, so results may vary.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It's also described as stepped, giving a tactile feel with two stages of key travel. In comparison, the Meteor White switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, along with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a unique symphony of touch with smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, while the Meteor White switch offers a gentle and easy-to-push typing experience with a soft sound profile. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can expect satisfying results from either switch, whether seeking a tactile delight or a gentle linear feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and satisfying tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump that sets it apart. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and easy-to-push linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is a great choice. It provides a soft sound profile and a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Consider your preference for tactile feedback and actuation force when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality options with their own distinct characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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