Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Rice Pudding present enticing options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its unique fusion of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a delightfully nuanced typing experience characterized by its silky feel and polished operation. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out for their smooth operation and satisfying deep sound, delivering a precise typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for both performance and versatility—particularly given their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards. While the Ice King Tactile leans towards a richer tactile feedback, the Rice Pudding offers a seamless blend of sound and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine which switch best suits your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it is evident that they differ significantly in their top housing composition. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for achieving a deeper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, enabling it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption results in a sound that is duller and rounder, offering a fuller auditory experience. Conversely, the Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances clarity, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more vibrant and resonant typing experience.
On the other hand, both the Ice King Tactile and the Rice Pudding share the same material—nylon—for their bottom housing. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar auditory experience relating to the bottom-out sound. Nylon's inherent properties still dominate this aspect, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that characterizes both switches upon keypress. The soft nature of the nylon in the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall feel during key actuation, ensuring that regardless of the top housing material, users benefit from a consistent tactile sensation at the point of bottoming out.
To summarize, while the Ice King Tactile and Rice Pudding switches present different auditory characteristics due to their varying top housing materials, they align closely in their bottom housing composition. This complementary use of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to generate a similar bottom-out sound profile, characterized by depth and fullness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as the top housing material will dictate the overall typing experience, while the common nylon bottom ensures a consistent tactile response during usage.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ice King Tactile features an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Ice King Tactile more suitable due to its heavier forces, while those who enjoy a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely prefer the Rice Pudding switch. Overall, the Ice King Tactile will provide a firmer push, whereas the Rice Pudding will result in a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this regard. Since both switches require the same distance to activate, users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Whether you choose the Ice King Tactile or the Rice Pudding, the consistent travel distance ensures that the overall feel and response during typing or gaming will be comparable.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 is characterized by its subdued acoustic profile, producing a dampened sound that is noticeable yet not intrusive. This subtlety makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are noted for delivering a deep sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. While the Ice King Tactile's quieter operation might offer a more discreet experience, both switches cater to their respective preferences, with sound quality also varying based on the keyboard and keycap choices used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile shines with a combination of silky smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, creating an effortlessly fluid typing experience. Its frictionless travel minimizes resistance, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable key press. Additionally, the stepped nature of these switches allows typists to experience a milder tactile sensation that can be engaging without overwhelming the fingertips. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Rice Pudding switches are currently unavailable, leaving their tactile feedback and overall typing experience a mystery. Given the Ice King Tactile's robust tactile qualities, it stands as a strong option for those who prioritize a richly textured typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its subdued sound profile and silky, frictionless feel, alongside its unique tactile bump that enhances typing satisfaction. Conversely, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switch boasts a deep sound characteristic that may appeal to different auditory preferences, specific details about its tactile feel are still unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or a more pronounced tactile experience, but both options can provide an enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, consider the overall typing experience you seek. If you prefer a typing experience that is both tactile and smooth with a pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent choice. Its heavier actuation force of 68 grams can provide a satisfying resistance that is ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style and appreciate the refined sensation of each keystroke. The subdued sound and silky feel enhance this experience, making it suitable for writing, programming, or any task that requires a tactile response without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and wish to achieve a swift, effortless typing speed, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is designed for you. Its lower 48-gram actuation force and smooth, deep sound offer a fluid typing experience, particularly beneficial for gamers or heavy typists who value speed and accuracy. Additionally, the compatibility with Wooting's keyboards adds a layer of versatility, allowing you to explore various input methods and configurations. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preference toward tactile feedback, actuation force, and the typographic or gaming experiences you wish to enhance.
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