Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean provide two distinct options. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its artful blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, offering a tactile typing experience like no other. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean remains silent and linear, providing a quiet and consistent typing experience. While the Ice King Tactile excels in offering a satisfying tactile feedback, the Dustproof Silent Ocean stands out for its silent operation. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, we see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing materials suggests that the typing experience on both switches may have a similar tactile feel and sound when bottoming out keys.
However, the top housing materials of these two switches differ significantly, with the Ice King Tactile using nylon and the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizing polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Silent Ocean's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the rounder sound produced by nylon. This difference in top housing materials suggests that users can expect a distinct sound and feel when releasing keys on each switch. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, giving the Dustproof Silent Ocean a unique aesthetic advantage over the Ice King Tactile.
In conclusion, while the bottom housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean are the same, their top housing materials contribute to different sound profiles and aesthetics. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile creates a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profiles highlights how housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force than the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, with 58 grams compared to 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to press down. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King Tactile at 68 grams and the Dustproof Silent Ocean at 65 grams, providing a similar typing experience once the key is fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial push feel for a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which falls in between the traditional 4.0 mm and the shallower 3.0 mm distances. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches provide a balance between quick response times and a satisfying depth when pressed. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean for rapid key presses, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Ice King Tactile. In the end, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 Silent Ocean 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 experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Additionally, it is described as frictionless, providing an effortless typing feel with minimal resistance. This switch also features a stepped design, giving it a two-stage tactile feel that adds to the typing experience. Furthermore, the polished finish of the Ice King Tactile switch enhances the overall smoothness and refinement, delivering a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is not specified, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a unique and satisfying tactile typing experience, with a blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump. Its sound profile is subdued, and the feel is silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished. While the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch remain unknown, individuals seeking a tactile switch that offers a combination of smoothness and tactility may find similar results with the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, it's important to consider personal preference and usage habits when choosing between these switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile versus linear switches. If you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and a smooth, frictionless feel, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a silent operation, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it is important to consider what you prioritize in a keyboard switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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