Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HC Studio Roselle present contrasting options to users. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with a symphony of touch. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its inherently smooth and ethereal feel, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Roselle is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Depending on the user's preference for a pronounced tactile feedback or a smooth and quiet typing experience, each switch has its unique appeal. 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
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
3.60 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
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and HC Studio Roselle both boast unique and pleasing sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder overall tone. In comparison, the Roselle utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a more muted and deeper sound profile that is equally as pleasing. While the materials may differ, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound quality, with slight variations in tone and depth.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Ice King Tactile and Roselle both benefit from the unique properties of nylon and POM, respectively. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows for a more absorbent sound, resulting in a fuller and deeper tone, particularly noticeable during key presses. In contrast, POM's denser composition lends itself to a more muted sound profile, creating a deeper and more pleasing tone overall. While each switch may offer a slightly different sound experience, the nylon and POM materials both contribute to a satisfying typing experience with their own distinct characteristics.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. In the case of the Ice King Tactile and Roselle switches, the differences between nylon and POM in their top and bottom housings contribute to unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Ice King Tactile or the more muted and pleasing tone of POM in the Roselle, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. The difference in weight between the two switches can impact typing experience, as some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Roselle for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier Ice King Tactile for a more substantial feel. In terms of force required for keystrokes, the Ice King Tactile provides a stronger push feel, while the Roselle offers a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular among users looking for faster response times. However, the Roselle switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypresses. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel, but the Roselle switch may offer a slightly more substantial tactile response due to its slightly longer travel distance.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. While the Ice King Tactile offers a quieter typing experience, the Roselle delivers a more noticeable and robust sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Ice King Tactile appealing to those who prefer a more subdued typing experience, and the Roselle catering to users who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel when pressing the keys. Additionally, the switch is described as stepped, providing a more nuanced tactile sensation with distinct stages during the keystroke. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch also offers a frictionless typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a fluid travel. Described as mild, the Roselle switch offers a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to a wider range of users. Choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother, stepped typing experience or a milder, more universally appealing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a subdued sound profile and a silky smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch offers a deep and rich sound signature along with a mild and frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Ice King Tactile and Roselle switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you opt for the creamy smoothness of the Ice King Tactile or the impossibly smooth feel of the Roselle, both switches are sure to enhance your typing experience with their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HC Studio Roselle switches, consider your preference for tactile feedback and bottom out force. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and low-pitched typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Roselle switch could be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound profile and feel of each switch to ensure it aligns with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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