Durock Ice King Tactile vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Milk Tea. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a truly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Milk Tea is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and PH Studio Milk Tea both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing which produces a deep and fuller sound, while the Milk Tea has a POM top housing that creates a more muted and unique sound. In terms of bottom housing, the Ice King Tactile also uses nylon which results in a similar deep and full sound profile, compared to the POM bottom housing in the Milk Tea which contributes to a deeper and more muted sound.
Although the housing materials for the Ice King Tactile and Milk Tea differ in terms of nylon and POM, they both share characteristics of producing a deep and pleasing sound. The nylon top and bottom housing in the Ice King Tactile work together to create a fuller sound profile, while the POM top and bottom housing in the Milk Tea also contribute to a deep and unique sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of performance, the Durock Ice King Tactile and PH Studio Milk Tea demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. The nylon housing in the Ice King Tactile absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM housing in the Milk Tea creates a more muted and deeper sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of considering material choice when selecting switches for a keyboard setup.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, offering a smoother and lighter keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Milk Tea switch may be the better option, while the Ice King Tactile switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial and heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience the user is looking for.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more pronounced and deliberate keystroke compared to the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 offers a subdued yet tactile experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature overall. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique blend of high-pitched, clacky, marbly, and resonant sounds, creating a sharp and snappy auditory experience with a touch of muted essence. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches can vary in their presence and tone.
Moving on to feel, both the Ice King Tactile and Milk Tea switches emphasize smoothness and ease of typing. The Ice King Tactile is known for its silky and frictionless feel, offering a refined typing experience with minimal resistance and an effortless keystroke. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch is also described as polished and silky, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer a more tactile or linear typing experience, both switches provide a pleasurable feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Ice King Tactile and Milk Tea switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback, they both prioritize smoothness and comfort in typing. Whether you prefer the creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump of the Ice King Tactile or the high-pitched clackiness and gentle balance of the Milk Tea linear switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that you'll achieve similar results in terms of quality and comfort no matter which option you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced tactile bump that offers a creamy smoothness, then the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, designed for prolonged typing sessions with a smooth and effortless feel, then the Milk Tea switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel and sound characteristics that align with your preferences and typing style.
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