Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Yellow offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation without any specific standout features. The Ice King Tactile appeals to those who enjoy a tactile typing sensation, while the Silent Yellow caters to those who prefer a quiet and linear 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Yellow, we can see the differences they bring to the sound profile of the switches. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of different materials in the top housing clearly affects the overall sound experience of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow use nylon for this component. This means that both switches will elicit a similarly deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will be relatively similar. While the top housing may differ in material and sound profile, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound output of these mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow can greatly impact the sound profile and overall feel of the switches. The differences between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing can result in a noticeably different sound experience, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate. However, since both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the bottom-out sound and feel will be quite similar. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting mechanical switches for their keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile is lighter in both categories. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Ice King Tactile for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Outemu Silent Yellow. Both switches provide different experiences based on actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance than the Ice King Tactile. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, but it all comes down to personal preference in the end.
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 Yellow 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
The Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a more muffled typing experience compared to most switches. This can be attributed to its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, making it a quieter option for those who prefer a more subtle sound when typing. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch are unknown as there is no available information on this aspect. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of these qualities results in a fluid and effortless keystroke, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. On the contrary, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is unknown, as there is no provided information on its tactile characteristics.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a unique tactile experience with a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless feel. While the qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch remain unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing preferences when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their own ways, and users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, you should choose the Ice King Tactile if you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, a subdued sound profile, and a feel that is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished. On the other hand, you should opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a silent typing experience, and a switch that is known for being silent. Consider your preferences for typing experience, sound level, and key feel when choosing between these two switches.
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