Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Maple Leaf both fall into the tactile category, offering a satisfying typing experience. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf doesn't have a specific standout feature but provides a reliable tactile typing experience. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Maple Leaf doesn't have specific descriptors. 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
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Maple Leaf utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
However, where the Ice King Tactile and Maple Leaf differ is in their top and bottom housing design. While both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, the qualities each housing material brings are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing design can lead to subtle variations in typing feel and sound between the two switches.
In conclusion, both the Ice King Tactile and the Maple Leaf offer a comparable typing experience due to their use of nylon as the housing material. The softer plastic absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. However, the split design of the top and bottom housings in each switch can lead to slight differences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Tactile and the Maple Leaf will depend on the user's preference for these nuanced differences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King at 68 grams and the Maple Leaf at 65 grams. This makes both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Maple Leaf for longer typing sessions, while others may lean towards the Ice King for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired force requirement.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Overall, both switches have relatively similar travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly longer than the Maple Leaf. In terms of preference, the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may be more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced travel distance that caters to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
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 Maple Leaf 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 is known for its subdued sound, providing a dampened and more subtle sound signature when compared to most switches. On the other hand, information on the sound quality of the Maple Leaf switch is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel while typing. Additionally, the switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile sensation with two stages and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. The Maple Leaf switch's feel is unspecified, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a unique and satisfying tactile typing experience, combining smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump in a symphony of touch. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch remain unknown, if you are looking for a switch that provides a smooth and tactile typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile may be a suitable choice. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, so exploring different options and considering your typing preferences is essential in making a decision.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switches, it is important to consider your preference for bottom out force and the typing experience you desire. If you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch that offers a unique and satisfying tactile experience with a smooth and refined feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a more budget-friendly option without specific characteristics highlighted, the Maple Leaf could be the right fit. Remember to also consider the sound profile of the switches, with the Ice King Tactile offering a more subdued sound. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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