Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Oreo mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a unique tactile typing experience that many users find satisfying. The Ice King Tactile boasts a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a symphony of touch that blends the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, striking a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. The Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished', while the Oreo is categorized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', 'Stepped'. 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
55g
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
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
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Oreo both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Ice King Tactile featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Oreo has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The choice of housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Oreo produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Ice King Tactile and the Oreo, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying sound and feel while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different housing materials also impacts the overall look of the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the Oreo's housing makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through and create visually appealing effects. On the other hand, the classic look of the nylon housing in the Ice King Tactile adds a more subdued and traditional feel to the switch. Whether you prefer a switch with a clear, transparent housing or a more opaque and classic look, both the Ice King Tactile and the Oreo offer unique design elements that cater to different aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. The Ice King Tactile switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, while the Oreo switch would be preferred by users who like a lighter touch. Both switches provide tactile feedback, making them ideal for typists who appreciate the tactile response of a switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Oreo's longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Ice King Tactile's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, especially for gamers, while the Oreo's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the type of experience they are looking to achieve.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Oreo switch is known for its chirpy nature, featuring a unique squeak that sets it apart from other switches. Whether you prefer a quieter typing experience with the Ice King Tactile or enjoy the distinct sound of the Oreo, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky smoothness and frictionless typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback that enhances typing precision. On the other hand, the Oreo switch is known for its accented tactility, offering a satisfying amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Like the Ice King Tactile, the Oreo switch is also described as stepped, providing a mild tactile sensation with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Oreo tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Oreo switch strikes a balance between satisfying tactility and comfortable typing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a subdued sound profile and silky feel of the Ice King Tactile or the chirpy sound and accented tactility of the Oreo. Whichever you choose, both switches will deliver a premium typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a uniquely satisfying tactile experience, the Durock Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a delectable typing experience with a crisp tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your desired typing experience, sound profile, and feel when making your decision between these two exceptional switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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