Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its buttery smooth feel and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that's both smooth and tactile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature typical of a linear switch. Each switch has its own set of attributes that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Ice King Tactile may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a smoother, more consistent typing experience, the Durock Piano might be the better 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Piano differ in terms of their top and bottom housing components. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both switches aim to enhance the sound experience, they do so through different housing materials, showcasing the versatility in options available to keyboard enthusiasts.
In addition to the top housing, the bottom housing of the Durock switches also differs. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound experience. With these distinct bottom housing materials, each switch provides a slightly different tactile and auditory experience, catering to various preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Piano, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique sound profiles. While the Ice King Tactile focuses on utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings to create a deeper sound, the Piano leverages a proprietary POM blend for a uniquely satisfying typing experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in producing distinct sound profiles, allowing users to customize their keyboard setup based on personal preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile switch is heavier in both aspects. 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 Piano linear switch has no specified actuation force, but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Both switches offer a substantial typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile requiring a slightly stronger push. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Piano for longer typing sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier feel of the Ice King Tactile for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Piano switch may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer a different feel and experience based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for responsiveness or depth in keypresses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for travel distance.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its creamy smoothness and noticeable tactile bump, providing a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. When it comes to sound, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its proprietary material blend that provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano switch is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. In terms of feel, both switches are highlighted for their frictionless and silky qualities, minimizing resistance and providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The Ice King Tactile switch is also described as stepped and polished, offering a two-stage tactile feel and a refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Overall, while the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile experience, the Durock Piano switch stands out for its smooth linear feel and deep sound profile. Depending on personal preference, these switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Piano switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and a symphony of touch, the Ice King Tactile with its silky, frictionless, and polished feel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, gliding push feel with a deep, bassy sound signature, the Piano switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, so the decision ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smooth linear typing. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying keyboard experience.
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