Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it all boils down to your personal typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its smooth and tactile typing experience, offering a satisfying blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cream Pink provides a linear typing experience without any tactile bump. If you prefer a switch that offers a tactile bump for a more tactile typing experience, the Ice King Tactile would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a linear switch without any tactile feedback, the Cream Pink might be more to your liking. Let's explore each switch more in detail to help you determine which one suits your typing style best.
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Pink both feature nylon top and bottom housings, which gives them a similar sound profile. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of the plastic, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that many enthusiasts appreciate for its satisfying typing experience.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the Ice King Tactile and the Cream Pink may have slight differences in their sound and feel due to variations in their design and construction. The qualities of the bottom housing, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, may vary between the two switches. Additionally, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, so subtle differences in this area could result in a unique typing experience for each switch.
In conclusion, while both the Ice King Tactile and the Cream Pink switches share the same nylon housing materials, potential discrepancies in design and construction may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel. However, overall, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile with a satisfying typing experience due to the soft and sound-absorbing nature of nylon housing. Whether you choose the Ice King Tactile or the Cream Pink, you can enjoy a premium typing experience with switches that provide a rounder and more muffled sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Pink is the lighter option with an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Ice King Tactile is slightly heavier at 58 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cream Pink at 65 grams and the Ice King Tactile at 68 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Cream Pink may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Ice King Tactile may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile leaning towards a shorter travel distance and the Cream Pink towards a longer one. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Ice King Tactile due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Cream Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you 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 Outemu Cream Pink 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
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued sound, offering a dampened typing experience that is not completely silent but provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile provides a silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished typing experience, enhancing smoothness, minimizing resistance, and offering a refined finish for sleek key travel. The feel of the Cream Pink switch is not described. Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a unique and satisfying tactile experience with a blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, while the Cream Pink switch's qualities remain unknown. If the Cream Pink switch offers similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect a similarly enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and creamy smoothness, the Durock Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth typing feel without any tactile bump, the Outemu Cream Pink would be a better fit for your preferences. Consider your typing style and preferences in terms of feel and sound when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Pink boils down to your personal preferences for typing experience.
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