Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the tactile experience of typing, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Orange switches present two compelling but distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts. The Durock Ice King Tactile is renowned for its silky smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a frictionless and polished feel that elevates the art of touch typing. This blend of creamy tactile feedback and refined design creates a satisfying experience that appeals to users who relish the sensation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch brings a classic appeal with its reissued version of the original MX Orange switches, enhanced to meet modern demands. While it favors a straightforward linear push without the tactile feedback, its smooth operation allows for rapid keypresses, making it an excellent choice for gamers or those who prefer a more fluid typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Durock Ice King Tactile for a tactile delight and the Cherry MX Orange for unhindered speed. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Orange, it is notable that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material leads to similar sound profiles and tactile experiences in both switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, plays a crucial role in sound absorption, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory feedback during typing. As a result, users can expect a pleasantly muted and rounded sound when actuating either switch. The commonality in the material not only supports a similar sound signature but also provides a consistent typing experience across both models.
Another aspect to consider is the impact of the housing materials on the feel of the switches. With both the Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Orange employing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the tactile feedback is likely to be comparable. This means that the tactile bump and the overall actuation force will be well-defined and satisfying in both switches. Since both switches provide the same material composition, those who appreciate the tactile responsiveness and sound characteristics offered by one switch may find the other equally appealing. The switch's tactile experience is influenced by the properties of nylon, enhancing the overall user satisfaction.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, individual preferences may lead users to choose one switch over the other based on brand loyalty or specific design cues. While both the Ice King Tactile and Cherry MX Orange share the nylon housing that yields a rounded sound profile and similar typing sensations, the overall design, aesthetic, and other nuanced features may further differentiate the two. However, for the specific qualities related to sound and tactile feedback, users of both switches can anticipate a remarkably similar experience, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ice King Tactile requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the 55 grams of the Cherry MX Orange, making the Ice King a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial push feel during typing. However, the MX Orange lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to assess its resistance at the end of a keystroke. In contrast, the Ice King has a bottom out force of 68 grams, which further emphasizes its medium-heavy feel. This difference suggests that the Ice King may provide more tactile feedback and a defined response when the switch is fully pressed down. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences—those seeking a lighter overall resistance might lean toward the Cherry MX Orange, while users desiring a sturdier typing experience might favor the Ice King.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the Ice King Tactile features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Ice King Tactile, you'll experience a more responsive typing experience, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional feel and depth in each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Durock Ice King Tactile would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Cherry MX Orange is ideal for users who appreciate a deeper press.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The sound produced by the Durock Ice King Tactile switches is characterized as subdued, offering a dampened auditory response when pressed. This means they deliver a quieter yet discernibly present sound signature compared to many other tactile switches, making them suitable for environments where noise control is important. The Cherry MX Orange switches do not have a specific sound profile detailed in the provided information, but similar linear switches tend to produce less audible feedback than tactile or clicky options. Thus, while the Ice King Tactile offers a more nuanced sound experience, the MX Orange would likely result in a quieter operation overall, although the specifics may vary depending on the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Ice King Tactile switches excel in providing a silky, frictionless experience that combines a notable tactile bump with a smooth keystroke. Their stepped design enhances user interaction by providing a sense of progression during key presses, while a polished finish reduces friction significantly, making typing an effortless and enjoyable experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches are known for their enhancements tailored to modern preferences, but the detailed qualities of their feel are not specified here. Therefore, while the Ice King Tactile offers an exquisite and nuanced tactile journey, the MX Orange may still provide a pleasurable experience, albeit with less explicit detail on its smoothness and tactility.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a unique tactile sensation and a subdued sound experience, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out as an exceptional choice. It presents a balanced blend of smoothness and tactile feedback, making it ideal for users seeking an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, while the Cherry MX Orange may lack a detailed account of its sound and feel characteristics, it could still deliver satisfactory performance as a linear switch. Ultimately, personal preference plays a crucial role in selecting between these switches, as users may resonate more with the characteristics of one over the other based on their unique typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you find joy in a tactile typing experience that provides a pronounced bump, accompanied by a silky and smooth feel, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 68 grams offers a satisfying feedback that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences, making it ideal for users who enjoy a balance of tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, the subdued sound signature makes it suitable for quiet environments, allowing for more discreet use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more straightforward and linear typing experience—without tactile bumps that might disrupt your flow—the Cherry MX Orange switch might be more up your alley. While its actuation characteristics are less emphasized in this comparison, this switch can still offer a reliably smooth experience, particularly benefiting those who engage in rapid key presses, such as in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, consider how much you value tactile feedback versus a smooth and linear action, as this will guide you toward the switch that best meets your needs.
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