Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Brown mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its smooth and pronounced tactile bump that creates a satisfying typing experience unlike any other, while the MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility and light typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences, with the Ice King Tactile being described as 'silky', 'frictionless', and 'polished', in contrast to the MX Brown's 'textured', 'bassy', and 'low-pitched' attributes. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Brown both use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon top housing contributing to the key's sound upon release.
While both switches use nylon for their housing material, the Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Brown may differ in their bottom housing design. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch when pressed down. If there are differences in the bottom housing material between the two switches, the typing experience may vary accordingly. However, with both switches utilizing nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect a similar tactile sensation and sound profile when typing.
In conclusion, the use of nylon as the housing material for the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Brown contributes to a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. The differences in the bottom housing between the two switches may impact the overall feel and sound when typing, but the shared material ensures a consistent level of quality. Whether using the Ice King Tactile or the Cherry MX Brown, typists can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with the benefits of nylon housing.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Brown switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 13 more grams of force to actuate and bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, requiring 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Cherry MX Brown switch would be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch would be ideal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Brown switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and level of 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 Cherry MX Brown 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Ice King Tactile is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle audio feedback during key presses. In contrast, the MX Brown switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound signature, providing a deeper and richer tone that resembles bass frequencies. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is renowned for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. Additionally, the switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is noted for its textured feel, which may provide a slight amount of friction when pressed. This can be a preference for users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Cherry MX Brown switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile provides a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, resulting in a uniquely satisfying typing experience with subdued sound and silky feel. In comparison, the MX Brown switch offers a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Brown switches, consider your preferences for the typing experience. If you value a unique tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a symphony of touch, the Ice King Tactile may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more subtle and subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound, and feel to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
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