Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its exceptional tactile typing experience, boasting a smooth feel with a pronounced bump that enhances the typing sensation. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch by Gateron is designed specifically for office settings, offering a quieter typing experience that is still comfortable and responsive. While the Ice King Tactile is silky and polished, the Mountain Top is bouncy and easy-to-press. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. 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
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
The Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Mountain Top both feature nylon top and bottom housings, giving them a similar base in terms of material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housings. Therefore, both the Ice King Tactile and Mountain Top switches offer a similar sound experience to users.
However, despite sharing the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings, the Ice King Tactile and Gateron Mountain Top may differ in their design and construction. The qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be divided between the top and bottom, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing tends to have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. These differences in the distribution of housing materials can lead to variations in typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the Ice King Tactile and Gateron Mountain Top share the same nylon material for their housing, the way this material is utilized in the design of each switch may result in differences in typing feel and sound. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon housings, but the specific distribution of the material between the top and bottom housing can impact the overall typing experience. It is essential for users to consider these nuances when choosing between the Ice King Tactile and Gateron Mountain Top switches to find the one that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force for the Ice King Tactile is also heavier at 68 grams, whereas the Mountain Top has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Mountain Top switch allows for a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches focus on different preferences, with the Ice King Tactile offering a heavier feel and the Mountain Top providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches. The Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Mountain Top's 3.4 mm travel distance. Both switches provide a quick response time, making them suitable for gaming where speed is crucial. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Ice King Tactile offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Mountain Top. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a slightly longer press for a more tactile feel, or a slightly shorter press for faster response times.
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 Mountain Top 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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued typing experience, creating a dampened sound when pressed that is not completely silent but still more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for various environments. The choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in determining the overall sound of each switch.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. On the contrary, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel, with gentle resistance and a light typing experience that is responsive and comfortable. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, whether it be a smoother, polished feel or a bouncier, responsive touch.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a creamy smoothness paired with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch focuses on catering to office environments with a discreet yet not entirely silent typing experience, balancing a subdued sound signature with comfortable actuation. Depending on personal preference and intended use, both switches offer distinct qualities that can elevate the typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike. Ultimately, choosing between the Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a light bottom out force and a quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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