Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders often arise: the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Orange Sea. The Ice King Tactile sets itself apart with its exceptional tactile feedback, presenting a pronounced tactile bump that harmoniously blends with a creamy smoothness, resulting in a typing experience that many enthusiasts find irresistibly satisfying. Its unique characteristics—categorized as silky, frictionless, subdued, stepped, and polished—make it a top choice for those who value a refined tactile sensation and precise keystrokes. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel paired with a neutral sound signature, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a seamless experience without the distraction of tactile bumps. While the Ice King caters to those seeking a dynamic tactile response, the Orange Sea offers a more straightforward linear experience, perfect for uninterrupted typing sessions. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Orange Sea switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile each switch produces. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that yield a deeper and fuller sound. This material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a sound profile that is both duller and rounder. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for users who favor a crisp auditory experience. Thus, while the Ice King Tactile offers a warmer auditory feel, the Orange Sea presents a more spirited and vibrant sound.
Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the depth of sound and tactile experience. The nylon bottom housing in both models ensures that when pressed, the bottom-out sound remains consistent with the characteristic traits of nylon, leading to a similarly rich and full sound profile. This uniformity in the bottom material means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a satisfying tactile feedback and auditory sensation when bottoming out both switches. Consequently, while the Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Orange Sea can produce markedly different sound profiles while upstroke, their bottom-out performance remains aligned due to the consistent use of nylon.
In summary, the primary distinction between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Haimu Orange Sea lies in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their auditory outputs. While the Ice King offers a deeper, more resonant experience through its nylon housing, the Orange Sea presents a brighter and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a cohesive level of depth and tactile feedback upon bottoming out. This shared attribute allows both switches to maintain an enjoyable typing experience, catering to varying preferences in sound and feel while benefiting from the engaging qualities of nylon in the lower housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Ice King Tactile has a medium-heavy actuation force of 58 grams, requiring more effort to trigger a keystroke compared to the much lighter 37 grams of the Orange Sea. This substantial difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch will find the Orange Sea more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might favor the Ice King Tactile. Furthermore, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Ice King Tactile's 68 grams stands in stark contrast to the Orange Sea's 45 grams, again reflecting the heavier nature of the Ice King Tactile. Consequently, it can be concluded that those seeking a lighter switch experience should opt for the Haimu Orange Sea, while those desiring a more robust typing sensation should consider the Durock Ice King Tactile.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ice King Tactile the shorter option between the two. For gamers and those who favor faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ice King may be advantageous, providing snappier feedback during rapid key presses. Conversely, the Orange Sea with its longer travel distance might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response, as it allows for a deeper, more enjoyable keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches produce a subdued sound signature, delivering a dampened auditory experience upon actuation. This means that while you can still hear the switch engaging, it doesn’t create a loud or intrusive noise; it's more subtle in nature. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch’s sound characteristics are not specified, which leaves a gap in direct sound comparison. However, it’s important to note that sound is also greatly influenced by other elements such as the keyboard case and keycap material, so while the Ice King is noted for its subdued sound, the actual auditory experience for the Orange Sea remains unknown.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switches excel with a variety of descriptors that define their experience. They provide a silky, frictionless response, making every keystroke effortless and smooth. This buttery tactile engagement is enhanced by a pronounced bump, resulting in a stepped feeling that differentiates it from other more intense tactile switches. Polished materials or proper lubing further enhance this experience, allowing for minimal resistance throughout the entire keystroke. Conversely, there is no detailed information regarding the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches, so any comparison in tactile experience remains speculative.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is a well-rounded option for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience, complemented by its subdued sound profile. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers an impeccably smooth type feel, though its sound and tactile characteristics remain ambiguous. Overall, if you're looking for a balance of tactile feedback with a refined sound, the Ice King Tactile is a strong contender, while the Orange Sea may appeal to those who prioritize a smooth linear action. For similar experiences within their categories, you may find that both switches deliver enjoyable results depending on your typing preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile experience that elevates your typing to an art form, characterized by a pronounced bump and silky smoothness, the Ice King Tactile is a solid choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 68 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing feedback, making it particularly appealing for those who want to feel each keystroke and enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light, effortless touch with a smooth linear feel, the Orange Sea switch, with its 45 grams of bottom-out force, may be more suited to your needs. It’s ideal for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed and fluidity without the tactile bump that the Ice King offers. Additionally, the subdued sound of the Ice King can provide a more subtle auditory experience, making it better for quieter environments, while the Orange Sea's lack of description implies a neutral sound signature that could work well in various settings. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits, whether you lean towards tactile feedback and a heavier key feel or a lighter, smooth experience.
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