Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it is important to consider not only the typing experience but also the tactile feedback provided. The Durock Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smoothness and pronounced bump, offering a satisfying tactile experience that blends seamlessly with its polished feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out for its sharp and strong tactile feel, creating a unique and premium typing experience with a distinctive bottom-out sensation. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) falls into the category of 'Accented', 'Resonant', and 'Sharp'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making it crucial to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine the best fit for your typing preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), it is evident that both switches use different materials for the top and bottom housings. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top and bottom housing. Both nylon and PBT are known for their sound-absorbing properties, with nylon producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while PBT offers a more neutral sound profile.
While both switches use different housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience. The Ice King Tactile's nylon housing is highlighted for producing a duller and rounder sound, making typing on the switch feel satisfying and substantial. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) with its PBT housing offers a neutral sound profile that is not overly crisp nor dull, providing a balanced typing experience.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Durock Ice King Tactile with its nylon housing or the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) with its PBT housing, you can expect similar results in terms of sound absorption and typing experience. Both switches prioritize providing a deep and substantial typing sound, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound with the Ice King Tactile or a more neutral sound profile with the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 67-68 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of typing resistance. The Ice King Tactile switch may be better suited for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Moyu Black switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm may be preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer 4 mm travel distance may offer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Moyu Black switch providing a slightly deeper keystroke experience than the Ice King switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch produces a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory feedback. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch provides a more immersive typing experience in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by descriptors such as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is described as accented and sharp, providing a medium tactile experience with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Ice King Tactile focusing on smoothness and finesse, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a sharper and stronger tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile provides a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying typing experience, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a sharp tactile feel with a strong downstroke and an even sharper upstroke bump for a distinctive and impactful typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a premium and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch, consider your preferences in typing experience. If you value a smoother, more refined tactile feel with a symphony of touch, then the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp, distinctive tactile sensation with a strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke bump for a more impactful typing experience, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a subdued sound and silky feel or a resonant sound and accented tactile feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
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