Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jerrzi Poseidon 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 Jerrzi Poseidon. The Ice King Tactile switch is celebrated for its luxurious typing experience, boasting a smooth feel with a noticeable tactile bump that creates a satisfying sensation while typing. In contrast, the Poseidon switch from Jerrzi is characterized by its linear design, providing a consistent and smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. While the Ice King Tactile offers a blend of smoothness and tactility, the Poseidon switch focuses on delivering a straightforward and consistent typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
pom
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
stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jerrzi Poseidon both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon uses POM for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. Despite the different housing materials used, both switches offer a distinct typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
While the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing emphasizes a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a specific typist experience, the Poseidon's POM housing offers a different approach with its deeper and more muted sound profile. The bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, impacting the typing feedback. However, it is the top housing that influences the sound when the key is released, affecting the overall typing experience. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the choice between nylon and POM housing ultimately depends on personal preference and desired sound profile.
In terms of material composition, the Nylon top and bottom housing of the Ice King Tactile are designed to enhance the typing experience by creating a deeper sound profile. Similarly, the POM top and bottom housing of the Jerrzi Poseidon aim to deliver a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Both switches prioritize sound quality and typing feel, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the softer sound of nylon or the distinct sound of POM, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their carefully-selected housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Ice King Tactile also has a heavier bottom out force of 68 grams, while the bottom out force for the Poseidon is unknown. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offers different typing experiences for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Poseidon for longer typing sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly longer than the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, which is particularly popular among gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when pressing down on the keys. If you prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may lean towards the Poseidon linear switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so you can expect comparable results in terms of overall feel and performance.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon switch's sound characteristics are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It is also noted to be frictionless, providing an effortless typing feel with minimal resistance. Additionally, it is considered a stepped switch, offering a two-stage tactile feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Furthermore, the switch is described as polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Jerrzi Poseidon switch, information regarding its feel characteristics is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its uniquely satisfying tactile experience, blending smoothness with a pronounced bump in a symphony of touch. It offers a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless, and polished feel. While the characteristics of the Jerrzi Poseidon switch remain unknown, it is likely that it may provide different qualities to cater to a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may offer varying results, but if you enjoy a smooth and tactile typing experience, the Ice King Tactile switch may be a suitable choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile switch or the Jerrzi Poseidon switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize a highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth yet pronounced tactile bump, then the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bottom out force that is unavailable and prioritize a smooth and linear typing experience, then the Jerrzi Poseidon switch may be more suitable for you. Remember to consider factors such as sound and feel descriptions when making your decision, and don't hesitate to try out different switches to find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
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