Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Tom, both tactile switches. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its ability to elevate tactile typing to an art form, boasting a smooth and pronounced tactile bump that provides a uniquely satisfying typing experience. With descriptors like 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', it is clear that the Ice King Tactile offers a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom does not have a specific standout feature but is still a reliable and solid choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom, a clear distinction can be made between the use of nylon in the Ice King Tactile and polycarbonate in the Tom. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Tom creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, the Ice King Tactile provides a softer and more muted typing experience compared to the Tom's more resonant and clear sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Tom utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Since both switches share the same bottom housing material, the typing experience on both switches will have similar qualities in terms of sound profile and feel. Despite any differences in the top housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback between the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Tom.
When considering how the properties of the top and bottom housing materials distribute sound and tactile feedback during typing, the distinction between the Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Tom becomes clearer. With differing top housing materials, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key, creating a rounder and duller sound profile. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Tom enhances the sound when pressing down on a key, delivering a sharper and crisper sound. However, with both switches sharing a nylon bottom housing, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent between the two, ensuring a similar typing experience despite the variations in top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Tom tactile switches, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Tom's 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Ice King Tactile slightly heavier in both aspects. The actuation force of both switches is relatively close, so typing on either switch would provide a similar experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, the Ice King Tactile would be the better choice due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to individual preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom switch. The Ice King Tactile switch provides a bit more depth when pressed, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Tom switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more common in the market today. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 Tom 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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a subdued typing experience, offering a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, contributing to a quieter overall typing environment. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Tom's sound profile is currently unknown, but it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its silky and frictionless typing experience, boasting exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the switch is described as stepped, providing a nuanced tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. The polished finish of the Ice King Tactile further enhances the typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Tom switch at this time.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its exceptional tactile typing experience, characterized by a smooth and pronounced tactile bump that merges seamlessly for a satisfying touch. While the subjective qualities of sound and feel have been highlighted for the Ice King Tactile switch, the same information is currently unavailable for the Outemu Tom switch. As a newcomer, opting for the Durock Ice King Tactile switch would likely provide a similar result in terms of sound and feel based on the described features, offering a premium tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Tom tactile switches, consider the factors that matter most to you in a switch. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force, a unique combination of smoothness and tactility, and a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if bottom out force and sound profile are not a major concern and you are looking for a switch with a specific feel that aligns with smoothness, frictionlessness, stepped design, or a polished finish, the Outemu Tom could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best typing experience possible.
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