Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that combines the best of both worlds seamlessly. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is known for its quiet operation and highly tactile key feel, making it an ideal choice for those who value a silent yet satisfying typing experience. 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
50g
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
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 Outemu Silent Grey both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
In contrast, the Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The difference in top housing material leads to a variance in sound profile between the two switches. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing component to the typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Ice King Tactile and Silent Grey ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, the differences in top housing material provide unique auditory characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing or a sharper and crisper sound from the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer quality options for users seeking a tactile typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, one can see that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams, while the Silent Grey requires 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force needed. The weight of a switch is crucial as lighter switches are preferred by some for extended typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches are favored by others for a more robust typing experience. In this case, the Silent Grey can provide a slightly lighter feel for those who prefer it, while the Ice King Tactile offers a bit more resistance for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Outemu Silent Grey switch, which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on the feel and responsiveness of typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may appreciate the Ice King Tactile switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Silent Grey switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and 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 Grey 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 is known for producing a subdued sound, offering a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is not explicitly described, but being a silent switch variant, it is likely to produce minimal noise compared to traditional tactile switches. Both switches are designed to offer a quieter typing experience, but the Ice King Tactile may provide a more nuanced and subtle sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of key presses and minimizing resistance. Additionally, it is described as having a stepped feel, providing a more gradual tactile sensation with distinct stages in the keystroke. The switch is also noted for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is unavailable. However, being a tactile switch, it is likely to offer a pronounced bump and smooth key press similar to the Ice King Tactile.
Overall, both the Ice King Tactile and Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to individuals seeking a tactile typing experience. While the Ice King Tactile offers a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactility, the Outemu Silent Grey focuses on providing a quiet and satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a premium typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and a symphony of touch, then the Durock Ice King Tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Ice King Tactile offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 68 grams and provides a smooth and satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, if you are seeking a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a slightly lower bottom out force of 65 grams, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch may be the better option for you. The Silent Grey switch offers a smooth keystroke and is perfect for those who value a silent typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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