Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Gold 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 Gold stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smooth and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with a blend of smoothness and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that doesn't have a specific standout feature but provides that classic clicky sound that many users enjoy. While the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky and polished feel, the Gold switch is more subdued in comparison. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Gold both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that both switches will provide a duller and rounder sound when typing. However, the Ice King Tactile differs in its use of nylon for the top housing, while the Outemu Gold utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it more suitable for users who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Outemu Gold's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. The clear housing allows for the illumination to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile lacks this feature with its nylon top housing, which may be less visually appealing for users looking to customize their keyboards with RGB lighting. However, both switches share the commonality of utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The different housing materials used in the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Gold will result in distinct tactile and auditory feedback when typing. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the choice between the softer nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile and the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Gold will determine the overall sound profile and feel of the switches during use.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams, which is heavier than the Gold's 60 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch provides a more consistent and sturdy typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch offers a lighter actuation force, making it ideal for those who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. In terms of weight, the Ice King Tactile is heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Outemu Gold is lighter and more suitable for extended use. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Gold clicky 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 Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a bit more depth in each key press, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer quality feedback and durability, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal 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 Gold 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
In terms of sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This results in a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Gold switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience. It offers exceptional smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it provides a stepped feel, with two distinct stages in the keystroke, as well as a polished finish for a sleek and refined typing sensation. As for the Outemu Gold switch, information on its feel is not provided.
Considering the available information, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch impresses with its unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile experience. It offers a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless feel with a stepped design and polished finish. On the other hand, details about the Outemu Gold switch remain unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, based on the outstanding qualities of the Ice King Tactile, one can expect a similarly impressive tactile experience from the Outemu Gold switch if it aligns with the preferences of the user. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Gold switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump and a symphony of touch, then the Ice King Tactile is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a clicky typing experience without as much emphasis on tactile feedback, then the Gold switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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