Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Poro can significantly influence your typing experience. The Ice King Tactile, known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offers a satisfying tactile feedback that captivates typists who appreciate a more engaged and responsive feel as they type. This switch excels in providing a harmonious blend of touch, where the tactile response feels refined and polished. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, categorized as a linear switch, is designed for those who favor effortless keystrokes, featuring a silky glide that makes for a truly smooth typing experience. Its ultra-light actuation force paired with a poppy and clacky sound profile lends itself well to both gaming and typing, making it a versatile choice. While the Ice King Tactile is ideal for users seeking tactile engagement and feedback, the Poro appeals to those who prefer a seamless and quiet typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Poro switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, encompassing both the top and bottom components. This shared choice of nylon is significant because it leverages the material's natural properties to produce a typing experience defined by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The soft plastic of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a quieter, rounder acoustic signature that characterizes the typing experience of both switches. As such, users of both the Ice King Tactile and the HMX Poro can expect similar auditory feedback when typing, emphasizing the sonic qualities that nylon routinely imparts to mechanical switches.
Although the top and bottom housings of both switches are made from the same nylon material, we can assess the tangible impact on typing feel and sound. For instance, while the top housing may influence the release sound when a key is lifted, the bottom housing primarily determines the characteristics of the bottom-out sound and feel. This distinction underscores that even when the materials are identical, the switch experience will still vary subtly based on how each housing interacts during operation. In both cases, users will experience the dampening effects of nylon that result in an overall plush sound journey, reinforcing the consistent auditory quality across the two switches.
In comparing the Ice King Tactile and the HMX Poro, the identical material properties lead to common typing experiences in acoustics as well as tactile feedback. For those who appreciate a deeper sound profile and softer touch, both switches provide an alluring choice. While there may be differences in other aspects such as actuation points or tactile feel that can be found in the specifics of the switches, the shared nylon housing guarantees that the fundamental auditory experience remains closely aligned. Consequently, users seeking a switch with rich sound and a rounded vibe will find either the Ice King Tactile or the HMX Poro satisfying, matching the requirements of enthusiasts who prioritize these qualities within their typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile features an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy option. In comparison, the Poro switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Poro lighter overall, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer effortless typing, especially during extended sessions. Conversely, the heavier Ice King Tactile, with its increased force requirements, delivers a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, while the Ice King Tactile requires more force for actuation and bottoming out, the Poro allows for smoother, less strenuous keystrokes, catering to users looking for ease over resistance.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile provides a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a better choice for gamers who prioritize quick actuation times. In contrast, the Poro's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their key presses, as it can offer a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches involves considering personal preferences: if you seek rapid response, the Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm travel is ideal, whereas if you favor a deeper feel, the HMX Poro’s 3.7 mm would be preferable.
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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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 exhibits a subdued acoustic signature, providing a more muted auditory feedback compared to many other mechanical switches. This dampened sound creates a subtle typing experience that is discreet yet satisfying, which may be appealing in quieter environments. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch's sound profile is characterized by a poppy and clacky nature, enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force. This means that while the Ice King Tactile leans towards a quieter approach, the Poro offers a more pronounced auditory experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy a lively and engaging sound while typing. It's worth noting that the final sound profile will also depend heavily on the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials.
Regarding feel, the Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its silky, frictionless typing experience, providing an effortless glide that minimizes any resistance. Combined with its stepped tactile feedback, users experience a unique dual-stage feel that contributes to its tactile finesse. This smoothness is enhanced by a polished finish, further ensuring a refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch emphasizes smooth keystrokes, but lacks the tactile feedback characteristic of the Ice King Tactile. While it is lubricated for an effortless glide, it does not offer the pronounced tactile bump that many typists seek. Consequently, the tactile experience of the Ice King is distinctly gratifying, while the Poro provides a predictable and equally smooth linear feel without any tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct and appealing qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a subtle sound and a rich tactile experience that blends smoothness with a pronounced bump, ideal for those who appreciate nuanced feedback. On the other hand, the Poro switch focuses on a lively sound profile and fluid keystrokes, suited for those who prefer the continuous, unbroken motion of linear switches. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the tactile or auditory feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Poro linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and how you use your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience and appreciate the comforting feedback of a medium-heavy switch, the Ice King Tactile is your best bet. Its tactile bump combined with a silky smooth feel offers a satisfying typing experience, perfect for typists who relish in the sensation of each keystroke but prefer a quieter sound profile. This switch shines in environments where maintaining a concentrated atmosphere is crucial, such as for work or study tasks. On the other hand, if you favor speed and a lighter touch, the HMX Poro linear switch is ideal for your needs. With its ultra-light actuation force and fluid keystrokes, it allows for rapid typing and is well-suited for gaming or tasks that require quick input without the interruption of tactile feedback. Its clacky sound profile can also enhance the overall tactile engagement for those who enjoy auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in typing style, sound, and the types of tasks you plan to tackle with your mechanical keyboard.
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