Durock Ice King Tactile vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and SP-Star RedBlue stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its seamless blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying typing experience with its silky and stepped feel. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches cater to those who prefer a medium-light typing experience, delivering a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral, mild sensation. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, making them sought after options for mechanical keyboard users. 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
57g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star RedBlue both showcase different housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ice King Tactile boasts a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the RedBlue features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and clearer sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic makeup. Despite their differences, both housing materials play a vital role in shaping the auditory experience of typing on these switches.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ice King Tactile and RedBlue vary in their composition once again. The Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile, whereas the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing generates a crisper and more resonant sound. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch. Whether it's the softer nylon or the stiffer polycarbonate, each housing material brings its unique qualities to the table for users to experience.
While the housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and RedBlue may differ in terms of sound characteristics, they both serve their purpose in enhancing the typing experience. Whether it's the deep and full sound of nylon or the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate, both housing materials offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ice King Tactile or the RedBlue, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to your individual preferences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the SP-Star RedBlue switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 68 grams, while the RedBlue switch has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it a better choice for those who prefer a heavier switch. In contrast, the RedBlue switch offers a lighter typing experience, which may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Despite the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches provide a unique typing experience and can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm compared to the RedBlue's 4 mm. With the Ice King Tactile having a slightly shorter travel distance, it may provide a quicker response time which could be beneficial for gamers looking for a faster reaction. On the other hand, the RedBlue's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 and dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switch provides a low-pitched and thocky sound, featuring a deep and rich tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Depending on factors such as your choice of board and keycaps, the sound produced by each switch will vary, but the Ice King Tactile leans towards a smoother and quieter typing experience while the RedBlue offers a more pronounced and satisfying sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, characterized by an extremely smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as having a stepped feel that provides a more mild tactile feedback compared to other traditional tactile switches. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, featuring a gentle and approachable feel that is smooth and refined. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, with the Ice King Tactile focusing more on a unique tactile feedback while the RedBlue offers a more neutral and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a remarkable tactile experience with a subdued sound profile and a silky feel, while the RedBlue linear switch offers a more neutral and polished typing experience with a low-pitched thocky sound. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother linear feel, both switches can provide satisfying results for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience with creamy smoothness and a pronounced bump, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile in a linear switch that offers a smooth and polished typing experience, the SP-Star RedBlue switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences in bottom out force, tactile vs linear typing experience, and sound profile when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to select the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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