Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Dustproof Red stand out as two distinct options. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with a unique blend of features such as being silky, frictionless, subdued, stepped, and polished. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red is known for its linear actuation without any specific standout characteristics. While the Ice King Tactile is ideal for those who crave a tactile typing experience with finesse, the Dustproof Red may appeal to users looking for a simple and straightforward linear 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
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
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Red lies in their top housing materials. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users who have a preference for either a duller, rounder sound or a clear, resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and the Dustproof Red feature nylon bottom housings. This shared characteristic means that typing on switches using either of these materials will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Thus, despite the differences in top housing materials, users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches. This consistency in the bottom housing can provide a sense of familiarity for users who prefer the qualities that nylon brings to a switch's sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Ice King Tactile with its nylon housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound, while the Dustproof Red with its polycarbonate housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches excel in their respective sound profiles, offering users the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their preferred sound and feel. Whether one gravitates towards the softer, more absorbent qualities of nylon or the clear, resonant characteristics of polycarbonate, both switches provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. The difference in force between the two switches may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Dustproof Red compared to the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired level of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch. The Ice King Tactile switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the Ice King Tactile switch offering a quicker and more responsive feel, while the Dustproof Red switch provides a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for travel distance.
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 Red 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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, creating a dampened sound when pressed that is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Dustproof Red switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. The tactile feedback of the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Dustproof Red switch is unknown. Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch boasts a unique and satisfying tactile experience with a subdued sound, while the qualities of the Dustproof Red switch remain unknown. If the Dustproof Red switch does indeed offer a similar smooth and refined typing experience, users may expect to achieve comparable results in typing feel with both switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. Its blend of smoothness and tactile feedback creates a symphony of touch that is unmatched. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear typing experience without any additional features like tactile feedback or sound dampening, the Dustproof Red may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feel and unique typing experience (Ice King Tactile) or a straightforward linear typing experience (Dustproof Red).
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