Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile to the Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, a notable difference lies in their key characteristics. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a truly satisfying tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile provides a symphony of touch with its silky and polished feel, the MX Black switches offer a stiff and low-pitched typing experience with a textured keypress. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Black both utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This commonality means that users can expect a similar sound profile when typing on switches that use either of these housings. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound when compared to harder plastics, creating a more rounded and muted sound overall. This similarity in housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, despite both switches using nylon for their housing materials, there may still be subtle differences in the typing experience between the Ice King Tactile and the MX Black. The distribution of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch can influence the bottom-out sound and feel versus the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though both switches share the same housing material, the design and placement of the housing components may result in slightly varied typing experiences between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the Ice King Tactile and the MX Black share nylon as their housing material, the differences in the distribution and design of the top and bottom housings may lead to nuanced discrepancies in typing feel and sound. Despite this, the use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, users can expect a similar level of typing satisfaction from both switches due to their shared use of nylon as the primary housing material.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch reveals some key differences. The Ice King Tactile has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Ice King Tactile is 68 grams, while the MX Black is heavier at 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Ice King Tactile for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more forceful typing feel may opt for the MX Black. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the Ice King Tactile being lighter and the MX Black offering a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and response time.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard design and choice of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as frictionless and polished, enhancing the overall smoothness and fluidity of typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured feel, which may provide some users with a tactile feedback during key presses. Additionally, MX Black switches are noted for being stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its unique blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds. Its sound profile is subdued and the typing feel is described as silky and frictionless. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a classic textured smoothness with a low-pitched sound profile, providing a different tactile experience for users who prefer a stiffer key press. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Black switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a smooth and pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. It offers a unique and satisfying typing experience that blends smoothness with tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy linear switch with a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch is a solid choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a smooth linear feel. Choose wisely based on your typing preferences and needs.
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