Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Quinn mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to personal preference. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds seamlessly. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn stands out for its unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, adding a touch of character to each keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued and stepped tactile feel, the Quinn provides a snappier and bouncier 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
59g
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
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
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 double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Quinn are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a rounder sound. Both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a quieter and more cushioned typing experience.
However, where the Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Quinn may differ is in the specific design and construction of their housing materials. While both use nylon for both top and bottom housings, the way in which these materials are molded and assembled could lead to slight variations in sound and feel. The bottom housing, in particular, is said to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. These differences may result in subtle variations in typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Quinn may come down to personal preference and intended use case. Both switches offer a similar sound profile and typing experience due to their nylon housing materials. However, if slight differences in sound and feel are important to you, it may be worth trying both switches to determine which one better aligns with your preferences. In the end, both switches provide a quality typing experience with the added benefit of the sound-dampening properties of nylon housing material.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find that they are quite similar in terms of weight. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, while the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, providing a balanced typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Quinn, while those looking for a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in regards to typing feel and desired key response.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Ice King Tactile offers just a tad more depth compared to the Quinn. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Quinn may be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback might lean towards the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with only a slight difference between them.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switch is known for its bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound characteristics, offering a deeper and richer sound profile with a sharp and percussive sound during key presses. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing feel, depending on the user's preference for sound during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Quinn switch is characterized by its snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel, offering a super responsive and lively typing sensation with a smooth and uniform keystroke experience. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and tactile typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile and Quinn switches each offer a unique blend of sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Ice King Tactile switch provides a more subdued and smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Quinn switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a lighter switch-like tactility. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of auditory feedback, key feel, and typing style, as both switches excel in providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience that is smooth, silky, and refined, then the Durock Ice King Tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Ice King Tactile offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 68 grams and provides a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a crisp, snappy tactile bump with a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Quinn switch offers a distinctive typing experience that is both precise and immersive. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when making your decision between these two exceptional switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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