Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean 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 Ocean offer distinctive typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is a linear switch without any specific standout features. If you prefer a switch with a noticeable tactile feedback and smooth typing, the Ice King Tactile might be the way to go. In contrast, if you prefer a more straightforward linear switch without any additional features, the Silent Ocean could be a suitable choice. 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
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile - a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, where they differ is in their top housing material. The Ice King Tactile boasts a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in top housing material highlights the importance of the material used in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material plays a significant role. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a traditional look and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean provides a modern touch with its clear housing that allows for RGB lighting to shine through. This difference in appearance can impact the overall design and customization options for mechanical keyboards using these switches. Additionally, the properties of the housing materials, such as the softer nature of nylon and the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, have a direct impact on the sound produced by the switches. Users looking for a deeper and rounder sound may prefer the Ice King Tactile, while those seeking a crisper and clearer sound may lean towards the Silent Ocean.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean comes down to personal preference in sound profile, feel, and aesthetics. While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that provides a consistent typing experience, the differentiation in their top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate will depend on individual preferences. Additionally, the visual appeal of the clear polycarbonate top housing in the Silent Ocean may attract users looking to showcase RGB lighting in their mechanical keyboard setup, while the classic look of the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing may appeal to those seeking a more traditional design. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's lighter 45 grams. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Ice King Tactile requiring 68 grams and the Silent Ocean needing 65 grams. This means that while the Ice King Tactile may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, the Silent Ocean offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see that the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Silent Ocean's 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, the Ice King Tactile may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel depth.
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 Ocean 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 offers a subdued typing experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Silent Ocean switch are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky smoothness, offering a remarkably smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, this switch is described as frictionless, meaning it provides an effortless typing experience with minimal sense of resistance or friction. It also offers a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. Lastly, the polished finish of the Ice King Tactile switch ensures a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Silent Ocean switch remains unknown.
In conclusion, the Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying tactile typing experience. While the sound and feel characteristics of the Silent Ocean switch are unknown, based on the available information, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a premium tactile and auditory experience. If you are looking for a top-notch tactile switch with exceptional smoothness and a subdued sound, the Ice King Tactile switch would be a great choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound level. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. The Ice King Tactiles offer a silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished typing experience, along with a subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and a medium-heavy bottom out force with a linear feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable for you. The Silent Ocean switches are known for their smooth and quiet operation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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