Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green 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 Silent Green offer unique and contrasting typing experiences. The Durock Ice King Tactile is praised for its exceptional tactile feedback, described as blending smoothness with a pronounced bump for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch with no specific standout features mentioned. If you are someone who values a tactile typing experience with a smooth and pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a more straightforward linear typing experience without any standout characteristics, the Outemu Silent Green might be a better fit. 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
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective nylon and polycarbonate compositions. The Ice King Tactile, with its nylon top and bottom housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Green's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast highlights the importance of housing material in determining the sound experience of mechanical switches.
Despite the differences in sound profiles between the Ice King Tactile and the Silent Green, they both boast unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The use of nylon in the Ice King Tactile results in a rounder and duller sound, while the polycarbonate in the Silent Green produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate can be leveraged with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard setup. Ultimately, both housing materials offer distinct advantages depending on the desired typing experience and visual preferences.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it becomes evident that the qualities of nylon and polycarbonate are determined by their placement in the top and bottom housings of mechanical switches. The bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities allows for a nuanced typing experience that is shaped by the specific characteristics of each housing material. Whether opting for the Ice King Tactile or the Silent Green, users can expect a tailored sound profile based on the unique properties of nylon and polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force at 58 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams, making it the heavier of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams while the Silent Green needs 60 grams, putting them in a similar medium range. The Ice King Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, perfect for those who prefer a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Silent Green provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference for weight and force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Green switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch requires less distance to travel from the top to the bottom compared to the Silent Green switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Ice King Tactile switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more hearty depth when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Outemu Silent Green switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Silent Green 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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not available. It is 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 of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as frictionless, providing an effortless typing experience, and stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not available.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a smooth and pronounced tactile bump, creating a symphony of touch. While the sound profile and tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch remain unknown, based on the available information, it can be expected that the Ice King Tactile switch will provide a superior tactile and auditory experience compared to the Silent Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, then the Ice King Tactile switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a smooth and silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you enjoy the most. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
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