Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its unique blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience that combines the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is known for its lightning-fast responsiveness, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking instant triggers for quick actions. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a sophisticated tactile experience, the MX Speed Silver caters to those prioritizing speed and precision during gameplay. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This shared material choice between the two switches creates a duller and rounder sound when typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience for users.
While both the Ice King Tactile and the MX Speed Silver feature nylon top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials differs in how they affect the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housings in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Cherry MX Speed Silver may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Both switches offer a similar sound profile and typing experience due to their shared use of nylon for top and bottom housings. However, the different impacts of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience may influence the choice of users looking for specific tactile feedback and sound characteristics in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the MX Speed Silver. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams of force to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver only needs 30 grams of force to actuate, with the bottom out force being unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the MX Speed Silver would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier forces of the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. The slightly longer travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may provide a slightly more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, while the MX Speed Silver offers a slightly snappier feel with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the amount of travel distance desired in a keypress.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with a bass-heavy and mellow quality. The choice of board and keycaps can also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel while minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also noted for its stepped and polished finish, providing a refined and sleek typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, meaning it may have noticeable friction when pressed which can vary in preference among users.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying tactile experience for typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch excels in rapid response with its linear action and low spring resistance, making it a crucial tool for competitive gaming where speed is of the essence. Depending on individual preferences and use cases, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and the specific typing needs of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a unique tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, symphonic feel, then the Ice King Tactile may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking maximum speed and responsiveness with a linear action and no bottom out force, then the MX Speed Silver could be the better choice. Additionally, your preference for sound - whether it be a subdued sound like the Ice King Tactile or a thocky, low-pitched sound like the MX Speed Silver - and feel - such as silky, frictionless, stepped, or polished for the Ice King Tactile, or textured for the MX Speed Silver - should also be taken into consideration. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
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