Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, it all boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Ice King Tactile offers a luxurious typing experience with its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cold Plum provides a unique thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, catering to enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-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 Outemu Cold Plum, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housing components. This means that typing on either switch will result in a deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing on either the Ice King Tactile or the Cold Plum.
While both switches share the same nylon housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities of these materials will be distributed differently between the top and bottom of each switch. The bottom housing of a switch typically has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though both the Ice King Tactile and the Cold Plum utilize nylon for their housing, the overall typing experience and sound profile may vary slightly depending on the specific design and construction of each switch.
Ultimately, the use of nylon housing in both the Ice King Tactile and the Cold Plum switches serves to provide users with a consistent typing experience characterized by its deep and full sound profile. While variations in design and construction may result in subtle differences in sound and feel, the overall impact of the nylon housing material ensures that users can expect a certain level of performance and acoustics from both switches. Whether choosing the Ice King Tactile or the Cold Plum, users can rest assured that they will receive a satisfactory typing experience with a classic switch housing material like nylon.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly lighter at 58 grams actuation and 68 grams bottom out, while the Cold Plum is slightly heavier at 60 grams actuation and 70 grams bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required for typing. The differences in weight between the two switches may be subtle, but they can have an impact on typing comfort and fatigue over long periods of use. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ice King Tactile for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier push feel of the Cold Plum for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
The Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cold Plum switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of these switches. However, the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. This difference may result in a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on keys with the Ice King Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and feel.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This subtle sound signature adds to the overall typing experience without being too distracting. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Cold Plum switch is not explicitly mentioned, so it is difficult to compare in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience. With an exceptionally smooth keystroke and minimal resistance, typing on this switch feels effortless and refined. Additionally, the stepped design of the switch provides a unique tactile feel with distinct stages during keypress. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Cold Plum switch, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a sophisticated tactile typing experience with a smooth and satisfying feel, along with a subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound and fully nylon construction, but lacks detailed information on the typing feel. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a smooth and refined feel, the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a unique sound profile and are willing to explore the typing feel of the Cold Plum switch, you may still achieve an enjoyable typing experience with similar results. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, consider your preferences for typing feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize a smooth and tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound profile and a unique typing feel, the Cold Plum switches may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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