Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mini i are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience with finesse. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches offer a gentler tactility with a muted sound profile, ideal for quiet professionalism in an office setting. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', and 'Stepped', the Mini i is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Neutral', among others. Both switches have their own advantages, but for a more in-depth understanding of which switch would be best suited for your needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general descriptions.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mini i use nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience for both switches. Nylon is known for its softness and ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics.
While both switches share the same housing material, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Mini i may differ in other aspects such as the internal components and overall design. The construction of the switch, including the spring and stem, can greatly impact the typing experience and sound produced. It is important to consider these factors when choosing between the two switches to ensure they meet your preferences and needs.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mini i will come down to personal preference and how each switch feels and sounds to the individual user. Both switches offer a similar sound profile due to their nylon housing material, but differences in construction and design may result in varying typing experiences. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Ice King Tactile is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. The Mini i provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with weight playing a significant role in determining the typing experience that best suits individual needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for fast response times, such as gamers. The Ice King Tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Mini i switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound compared to most switches, providing a quieter typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate level of sound when activated. While not completely silent, this switch strikes a balance between a satisfying feedback and a moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments. Overall, both switches provide different sound experiences, with the Ice King Tactile being quieter and more subdued, while the Mini i offers a more neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with reduced friction and fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These characteristics offer a gentle and responsive typing feel, with a light actuation force and a lively rebound when keys are pressed. Both switches provide a different tactile sensation, with the Ice King Tactile focusing on a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Mini i offers a more gentle and responsive feel that enhances typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with its subdued sound and silky feel, while the Mini i offers a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches excel in enhancing tactile typing and provide an enjoyable typing experience for users, albeit with different subjective qualities to consider.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mini i tactile switches, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force with a unique tactile typing experience that blends smoothness and a pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile is the switch for you. Its subdued sound profile and silky, frictionless feel cater to those seeking a refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a more subtle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Mini i switches are a better choice. Their easy-to-press, bouncy feel and mild characteristics make them ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without disturbing your office environment. Ultimately, choose based on your preference for bottom out force, tactile typing experience, and sound and feel preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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