Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two top-tier tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) stand out as exceptional choices. The Ice King Tactile offers a luxurious typing experience with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying blend of touch sensations. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) boasts maximum tactility, delivering a sharp tactile feedback and a clean clack sound while typing. While the Ice King Tactile is characterized by its silky, subdued feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is described as resonant and invigorating. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
67g
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
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 POM T1 (Sunflower) play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) produces a unique and pleasing sound with a deeper tone that is relatively more muted. While both housing materials contribute to a rich sound experience, they do so in slightly different ways, giving each switch its own distinct sound profile.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Ice King Tactile and the POM T1 (Sunflower) feature materials that enhance the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Tactile complements its top housing by providing a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out the keys. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) contributes to its unique sound profile with a deeper tone that adds to the overall typing experience. Despite the difference in materials used for their bottom housings, both switches offer a satisfying sound and feel while typing.
When considering the overall typing experience, the difference in top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) brings a nuanced approach to sound production. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing the sound profile based on when the keys are pressed or released. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Tactile and the POM T1 (Sunflower) will depend on the preferred sound profile and typing experience desired by the user.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switches, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the POM T1's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the POM T1 requires 67 grams while the Ice King Tactile needs 68 grams, making the POM T1 slightly lighter in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the better option, while those looking for a more substantial push feel might lean towards the POM T1. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users, making it an important factor to consider when choosing between these two tactile switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile switch. The difference in travel distance may not be significant for some users, but it might impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Ice King Tactile switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press sensation may opt for the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, giving an immersive auditory experience. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a more subdued sound or a sharper, more resonant sound while typing.
Regarding feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless key press. Additionally, it provides a stepped feel, indicating a two-stage tactile feedback. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as sharp and accented, providing a distinct and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. It is also noted to be snappy and invigorating, offering a responsive and immersive typing sensation. The decision between these switches would depend on your preference for a smoother, frictionless typing experience versus a sharper, more intense tactile feedback.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, providing a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. In comparison, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a punchy and sharp tactility, catering to those who prefer a more intense tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique and specialized tactile typing experiences. Whether you prefer a more subdued sound with a silky feel or a resonant sound with a sharp tactility, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump in a symphony of touch, the Ice King Tactile may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you seek maximum tactility and a sharp, clean clack while typing, the POM T1 (Sunflower) could be the better choice. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, whether it be a subdued sound like the Ice King Tactile or a resonant and sharp sound like the POM T1 (Sunflower). Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and experience you desire while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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