Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear switches can greatly influence your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a unique blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. This switch is celebrated for its refined texture, categorized as silky and polished, which elevates tactile typing to a true art form. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is engineered for smooth travel, utilizing a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing to produce a distinct clacky sound with each keystroke. Ideal for gamers and typists seeking uninterrupted key presses, the Ragdoll removes any tactile feedback to allow for faster, more fluid typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for either the nuanced tactile sensation of the Ice King or the smooth, linear experience of the Ragdoll. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Ragdoll feature nylon as their primary housing material, which is known for providing a rich auditory experience while typing. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This quality allows the material to absorb more sound, which produces a rounder and more muted acoustics when keys are depressed and released. Therefore, when it comes to the auditory feedback provided by either switch, users can expect a similar performance characterized by this distinct and pleasing sound signature.
In addition to their similar top housing materials, the bottom housings of both the Ice King Tactile and Ragdoll are also made from nylon. This consistency in material choice ensures that the sound profile, as well as the tactile feedback, will remain coherent across the entire switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel as users press down on the switch. As both bottom housings are constructed from the same nylon material, this reinforces the characteristic auditory experience, thus allowing users to anticipate a harmonized performance, regardless of whether they are using the Durock or Bsun switch.
While both switches employ nylon for both top and bottom housings, the impact of the different components on the overall typing experience is noteworthy. The top housing is crucial for the sound produced when releasing the key, with nylon enhancing the rounded tone and reducing harshness. Conversely, the bottom housing predominates during the keypress, emphasizing the deeper qualities associated with the softer material. As such, even with identical housing materials, the separation of functions between the top and bottom provides each switch with a nuanced yet cohesive sound profile. Users can derive similar typing outcomes, enjoying the benefits of nylon's acoustics and tactile sensations, while recognizing the intrinsic characteristics brought about by each housing component’s role in the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by users who prefer a firmer feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Ragdoll linear switch showcases a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light and ideal for prolonged usage, whether for typing at work or gaming during lengthy sessions. Thus, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option, while the Ragdoll is the lighter one. If users seek a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, the contrasting specifications suggest that they will experience different tactile sensations based on their preferences for key resistance.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This distinction means that the Ice King Tactile provides a more responsive feel, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prefer quick key presses. In contrast, the Ragdoll’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial key press, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you favor responsiveness, the Ice King Tactile is the shorter option, whereas if you prefer a more hearty depth, the Ragdoll is the longer option.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by its subdued auditory feedback. When pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not entirely silent, yet remains more subtle compared to many other switches on the market. This trait makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be moderated without sacrificing the mechanical typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, although lacking a detailed sound description, is known for its clacky sound, primarily due to the nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This difference in sound will be noticeable, especially for users who appreciate the acoustics of their typing instruments.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile shines with its combination of silky, frictionless, and polished characteristics, which contribute to a fluid and effortless typing experience. The pronounced tactile bump is designed to be stepped, offering a distinct sensation at the actuation point while minimizing resistance throughout the keystroke. This results in a typing experience that is both satisfying and refined. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch does not offer specific descriptions of its tactile feedback; thus, its overall feel remains unknown. However, as a linear switch, it is expected to provide a smooth keystroke, albeit lacking the tactile feedback that the Ice King offers.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is lauded for its subtle sound and a rich tactile experience marked by silky smoothness and a pronounced bump. Its design caters to those who appreciate a quieter yet responsive typing environment. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offers a clackier auditory response, which may appeal to users seeking more pronounced acoustic feedback. While the Ragdoll's feel remains unspecified, its status as a linear switch suggests a smooth travel, albeit without the tactile engagement found in the Ice King. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and subdued sound of the Ice King or the smoother, potentially more pronounced auditory experience of the Ragdoll.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences in typing experience and use case scenarios. If you are drawn to a tactile feel that elevates typing to an art form, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent option. Its unique blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump makes it perfect for typists who enjoy feedback in their keystrokes. The medium-heavy 68-gram actuation force also provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance control while typing. This switch is ideal if you prefer a subdued sound profile coupled with a silky and frictionless feel, making it suitable for both professional and casual use without disturbing those around you. Conversely, if you want a lighter, more fluid typing experience, the Ragdoll’s medium-light 52-gram actuation force is just right for you. Its smooth travel and clacky sound can be appealing for gamers and those who favor speed and less resistance in their key presses. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing experience; the Ice King excels in tactile richness while the Ragdoll offers an effortless linear progression that is equally compelling.
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