Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer unique experiences for users. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its smooth and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that blends smoothness with a tactile feel. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that promises a different typing experience, although specific details are not provided. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Spring Breeze lacks specific descriptors. Overall, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique tactile experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the way to go. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon as their housing material, leading to a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics commonly used in switch housing materials. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
However, where the Ice King Tactile and the Spring Breeze may differ is in their design and construction. While both switches have nylon top and bottom housings, the specific shape and composition of these components could impact the overall typing experience. The Ice King Tactile, for example, may have a different top or bottom housing design that influences the sound and feel of the switch in a unique way, separate from the material itself. Conversely, the Spring Breeze may have a different manufacturing process or feature that sets it apart from the Ice King Tactile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze may come down to personal preference and specific typing needs. While both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing materials, subtle differences in design or construction could create distinct typing experiences for users. Whether you prioritize a particular sound profile, key feel, or overall typing performance, considering these factors can help determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is heavier in both aspects compared to the Spring Breeze. The Ice King Tactile requires 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 Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile due to its heavier forces, while individuals who enjoy a lighter typing feel may opt for the Spring Breeze. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal typing style and preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze clicky switch provides a bit more depth and may feel more satisfying to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Spring Breeze 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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. This can create a quieter typing environment while still offering tactile feedback. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as frictionless and polished, providing a fluid and refined typing feel. In contrast, there is no information available on the feel of the Spring Breeze switch, but based on the qualities of the Ice King Tactile, users looking for a smooth and polished typing experience may find a similar satisfaction with the Outemu switch.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its unique blend of smoothness and tactile feedback, offering a satisfying typing experience with a subdued sound profile. While information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is limited, those seeking a similar smooth and polished feel in a clicky switch may find it to be a suitable option. As with any switch comparison, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, you will want to consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished typing experience, along with a subdued sound profile, then the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch that offers a unique tactile typing experience without any specific sound description mentioned, then the Spring Breeze might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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