Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron North Pole V2 offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience that blends the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is praised for its gummy and muted sound profile, delivering a chewy typing feel that many users find delightful. While the Ice King Tactile is silky and stepped, the North Pole V2 is gummy and bouncy. Each switch offers its own set of qualities that appeal to different users' 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
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Gateron North Pole V2, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a softer nylon top and bottom housing, which absorbs sound and creates a duller, fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 features a stiffer polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile with more resonance. While both materials have their strengths, the nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience, while the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 may appeal to those looking for a more vibrant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role. The Ice King Tactile's nylon housing offers a classic look and feel, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing provides a more modern and transparent appearance, particularly beneficial for those using RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination of the switches, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard setup. Both options cater to different preferences, with nylon housing offering a more traditional design and polycarbonate housing providing a contemporary touch.
When considering the overall typing experience, the housing material of a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of each keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile and North Pole V2 differ in their housing materials, ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate will depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel. Regardless of the material used, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and deliver satisfactory results to users seeking different qualities in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams, making the Ice King Tactile slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams of force compared to the North Pole V2's 65 grams, making the Ice King Tactile heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the North Pole V2 may be more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 switch, the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance compared to the North Pole V2. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for a switch with a longer travel distance. Both switches provide different experiences based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Gateron North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches are described as producing a subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened typing experience compared to other switches. The actual sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished qualities, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is lauded for its gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished characteristics, offering a unique and satisfying typing feel that could be reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or enjoying a buttery smooth keystroke. Both switches prioritize smoothness and tactile feedback, albeit in different ways.
Overall, while the Ice King Tactile excels in blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience, the Gateron North Pole V2 stands out for its gummy and chewy typing feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a creamy smooth feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy typing feel with a muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a linear typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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