Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silver 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 Silver present two distinctive options for users. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its ability to elevate tactile typing to an art form, offering a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump that creates a uniquely satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver doesn't boast any specific standout features but is known for its linear feel. The Ice King Tactile is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a smooth touch, while the Outemu Silver might appeal to users who prefer a straightforward linear switch. 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
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 housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silver differ in terms of their composition and sound profile. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silver has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic material. While the Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing complements its top housing to create a consistent sound profile, the Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to the Ice King Tactile.
When it comes to aesthetics, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall look of the switch. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing provides a classic and understated appearance, while the Silver's clear polycarbonate top housing is more visually striking, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Both switches showcase the versatility of different housing materials and their impact on the overall design. Additionally, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience, enhancing the tactile feedback and sound profile of each keystroke.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silver contribute to different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Ice King Tactile or a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Outemu Silver, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a customized typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch's 45 grams, making the Ice King Tactile require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches are relatively similar, with the Ice King Tactile at 68 grams and the Outemu Silver at 65 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy range. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Ice King Tactile, while the Outemu Silver may feel slightly lighter to type on. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding the desired actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Silver switch. Gamers looking for faster key presses may prefer the Ice King Tactile, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Outemu Silver. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Silver 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
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its creamy smoothness, pronounced tactile bump, and unique tactile typing experience. The sound produced is described as subdued, offering a dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to other switches. In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile is characterized by its silky and frictionless typing experience, providing minimal resistance and a fluid key travel. Additionally, the switch is described as stepped and polished, further enhancing the smoothness and refined typing feel. On the other hand, information regarding the Outemu Silver linear switch is unavailable. However, based on the qualities of the Ice King Tactile switch, it is safe to say that the Outemu Silver linear switch may offer a different tactile and sound experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, then the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more straightforward typing feel, then the Silver switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or prefer a smoother linear typing experience. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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