Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Milk Peach 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 Milk Peach offer distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. In contrast, the Milk Peach switch from Outemu lacks a prominent feature highlight but still offers a unique typing feel. The Ice King Tactile is categorized as silky, frictionless, subdued, stepped, and polished, while the Milk Peach switch falls into another category. Each switch has its own merits and appeal, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between the two. However, let's delve 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Milk Peach both feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile has a nylon top housing, while the Milk Peach has a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Milk Peach's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing.
Both the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Milk Peach utilize nylon for their bottom housing, allowing users to experience a similar deep and full sound when typing on these switches. However, the key difference lies in their top housing material. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound quality, while the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics can make a noticeable difference in typing experience for users who prefer either a duller, rounder sound or a more clear, resonant sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Milk Peach comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a similar deep and full sound experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the differences in top housing material result in distinct sound qualities. The Ice King Tactile with its nylon top housing provides a softer, duller sound profile, while the Milk Peach with its polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound. Whether you prefer a fuller sound with the Ice King Tactile or a more resonant sound with the Milk Peach, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Peach switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Milk Peach the lighter option. However, the Ice King Tactile switch also has a higher bottom out force of 68 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Milk Peach switch is unknown. The Ice King Tactile switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Milk Peach switch offers a lighter actuation force. Both switches have their advantages - the Ice King Tactile switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, while the Milk Peach switch is suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Despite the small difference in travel distance between the two switches, it can still have an impact on the overall feel and performance of the switch. The Ice King Tactile switch might offer a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Milk Peach switch. However, both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize fast response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the level of depth and response speed desired.
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 Milk Peach 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 Durock Ice King Tactile offers a subdued typing experience, which produces a dampened sound when pressed. This characteristic is not completely silent, yet it provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Peach is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is renowned for its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Additionally, it is described as frictionless, providing an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The switch is also labeled as stepped, indicating that it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Furthermore, the Ice King Tactile is polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Milk Peach is not specified.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile stands out for its exceptional tactile experience, combining smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump. The switch offers a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless feel that enhances typing comfort. While the Outemu Milk Peach lacks specific descriptions in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider individual preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results depending on the user's preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and Outemu Milk Peach switches, you should choose the Ice King Tactile if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a creamy smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. The Ice King Tactile provides a unique and satisfying tactile feel with a subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer linear switches with a lighter actuation force and a different typing experience, the Outemu Milk Peach may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback, typing experience, and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
