Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow both fall under the tactile category, offering a satisfying typing experience. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its smooth yet pronounced tactile bump, providing a unique and pleasing sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow lacks specific standout characteristics but still delivers a solid tactile feedback. Those looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a distinct tactile sensation may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, while the Cream Yellow may be a more straightforward and reliable option for those who prefer a more standardized 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches use nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. This duller and rounder sound quality is favored by many keyboard enthusiasts for a more satisfying typing experience.
One key difference between the two switches is in their color options. The Ice King Tactile features a unique icy blue color theme, adding a touch of elegance and style to any keyboard build. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switches come in a bright, vibrant yellow color, which can add a pop of color and personality to your keyboard setup. While both switches provide a similar sound profile due to their nylon housing materials, the color options may appeal to different preferences in terms of aesthetics.
In terms of performance, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with a satisfying feel. The combination of the nylon top and bottom housings contributes to a stable and durable construction for long-lasting use. Whether you choose the Ice King Tactile or the Cream Yellow switches, you can expect a consistent and reliable typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of color options and design aesthetics to complement your overall keyboard setup.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow only needs 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a medium switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile is better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Cream Yellow switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile offering a tad more depth compared to the Cream Yellow. However, for most users, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable, and both switches will provide a similar level of tactile feedback and actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.
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 Yellow 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
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a unique and satisfying tactile typing experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced bump. The subdued sound it produces adds to the premium feel of the switch, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, emphasizing the smooth and effortless typing experience it provides. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the qualities of the Ice King Tactile switch, it is likely that users can expect a similar level of tactile satisfaction and smoothness with the Cream Yellow switch. Ultimately, both switches offer potential for a high-quality typing experience, and the choice between them will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and prioritize a switch that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience without a pronounced tactile bump, the Cream Yellow could be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Choose wisely based on which qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.