Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, we see two tactile switches with distinct characteristics. The Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive stands out with its all-POM housing, delivering a resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky' and 'Frictionless', the Olive is categorized as 'Accented' and 'Sharp'. Despite both switches providing a satisfying tactile feel, they each offer a different typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Bsun Olive both have top housings made from different materials, with the Ice King Tactile featuring a nylon top housing and the Olive incorporating a POM top housing. While both materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Olive creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon while the Bsun Olive incorporates POM. Similar to the top housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Tactile absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Olive also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This shows that both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Tactile and Bsun Olive differ in their housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a distinct feel and sound during key presses and releases. Whether it's the softer nylon of the Ice King Tactile or the POM of the Olive, both switches offer a tactile feel that enhances typing performance and sound quality. Ultimately, by choosing either switch, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option. With an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, it provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Bsun Olive tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Bsun Olive switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer similar experiences due to their close travel distances, and the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in tactile feedback.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by a resonant and deep sound due to its all-POM housing. The long pole stem ensures a sharp bottom-out, resulting in a distinctly satisfying auditory feedback during typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance, creating a fluid typing experience. The Bsun Olive switch, on the other hand, is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. This suggests a tactile feedback that is pronounced, firm, and responsive, enhancing the tactile sensation during typing. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Bsun Olive switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that can greatly impact the typing experience. The Ice King Tactile provides a smoother and more subdued sound with a silky and polished typing feel, while the Bsun Olive offers a deep and resonant sound with an accented and sharp tactile feedback. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between Durock Ice King Tactile and Bsun Olive tactile switches, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you favor a smooth and polished typing feel with a subtle tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a crisp bottom-out and a distinctive sound, the Bsun Olive tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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