Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple. The Ice King Tactile is adored for its blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with finesse. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple by Outemu is a clicky switch that boasts dustproof features. While the Ice King Tactile is known for being silky, frictionless, subdued, stepped, and polished, the Dustproof Purple does not have any specific standout characteristics mentioned. Choosing between these two switches can depend on whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with a smooth feel or a clicky switch with added durability features. 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
55g
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
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
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple both feature nylon as the material used for their bottom housing. This means that typing on switches with either of these housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, it is important to note that the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch.
The difference between the two switches lies in their top housing material. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Dustproof Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Dustproof Purple's clear housing allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a more visually appealing choice for those looking to add lighting to their setup. Overall, the top housing material significantly impacts the sound and aesthetics of the switch.
While the bottom housing materials are the same for both switches, the different top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. Pressing down on the switch will give you the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when you release a key is more influenced by the top housing material. This highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting switches for a customized keyboard setup, as each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Ice King Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Dustproof Purple's 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Ice King Tactile is 68 grams and the Dustproof Purple is 65 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke and to press all the way down compared to the Dustproof Purple. Both switches offer a substantial typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly heavier than the Dustproof Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple provides a deeper keystroke experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying feeling when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches offer quality performance and tactile feedback for a satisfying 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 Purple 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 typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, which can be enjoyable for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the switch has a stepped design, providing a two-stage tactile sensation that some users may find appealing. The polished finish of the switch further enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch is unknown at this time.
In conclusion, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with a blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump. While its sound profile is subdued and its feel is described as silky, frictionless, and stepped, the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch remain unknown. Choosing between the two switches would ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience desired by the user. If the user enjoys a smooth typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile switch would be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches, consider your preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you seek a switch with a unique tactile bump that offers a blend of smoothness and tactility, the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch that provides a satisfying clicky sound with medium-heavy actuation force, the Dustproof Purple could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most - whether it be the silky smoothness and pronounced tactile bump of the Ice King Tactile or the clicky sound and 65-gram actuation force of the Dustproof Purple.
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