Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Blue. The Ice King Tactile switch is lauded for its smooth and tactile typing experience, offering a blend of smoothness and a pronounced bump that creates a uniquely satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue switch from Outemu is known for its clicky sound without any specific standout features. The Ice King Tactile is best suited for those who value a luxurious and precise tactile typing experience, while the Dustproof Blue may appeal to those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a clicky switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Polycarbonate
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
Overall, the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the materials used for their top housing differ - the Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the Dustproof Blue opts for polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Blue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups.
When comparing the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing with the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing, it is clear that they offer contrasting sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile providing a more muffled and round sound, and the Dustproof Blue offering a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Blue's top housing enhances the RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
In terms of typing feel, the bottom housing material of a switch has a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. In this case, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which means that they will share similar bottom-out sound and feel characteristics. However, the difference in top housing materials - nylon for the Ice King Tactile and polycarbonate for the Dustproof Blue - will result in distinct sound profiles upon key release. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch are both in the medium-heavy range. The Ice King Tactile has a slightly higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Dustproof Blue's 50 grams, but both have a similar bottom out force with the Ice King Tactile at 68 grams and the Dustproof Blue at 65 grams. This means that both switches will provide a substantial typing experience with a satisfying amount of resistance. Some users may prefer the slightly lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Blue for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier push feel of the Ice King Tactile for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference on the amount of force needed for typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue switch provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Ice King Tactile offering a shorter travel distance for quicker responses and the Dustproof Blue providing a longer travel distance for a more tactile typing 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 Outemu Dustproof Blue 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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as providing a silky and frictionless typing experience, offering smooth key presses with minimal resistance. Additionally, it is mentioned that the switch has a stepped feel, with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. The polished finish of the Ice King Tactile also contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch are not provided.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its smoothness, pronounced tactile bump, and unique tactile experience that blends the best qualities of both smoothness and tactility. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch remain unknown, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a smooth and subdued sound, the Ice King Tactile may offer similar results. As with any switch selection, personal preference and typing style play a significant role in determining the best switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, then the Ice King Tactile would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lower bottom out force and are not particularly sensitive to sound, the Dustproof Blue might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preferences, so choose the switch that aligns best with what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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