Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear options. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its harmonious blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, offering users an elevated typing experience that feels both refined and responsive. Classified as silky and polished, this switch caters to those who appreciate a tactile feedback without the harshness often found in other tactile switches. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a different allure, characterized by its deep thocky sound and satisfaction right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that ensures an effortlessly smooth keystroke. While the Ice King appeals to tactile enthusiasts seeking a nuanced touch experience, the Rosewood attracts users who prefer the seamless flight of keys along with a resonant acoustic profile. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and Akko Rosewood switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to a striking similarity in their acoustic profiles. Nylon, as a housing material, is valued for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic stems from nylon's relative softness compared to harder plastics, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, both switches generate a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing harsh audio artifacts that can emerge from firmer materials. Users opting for either switch can expect a pleasantly muted sound profile, making them suitable for quieter environments or settings where sound pollution is a consideration.
However, while both the Ice King Tactile and Rosewood share the same nylon material composition, the specific nuances of their performance might still vary slightly due to the design and internal structures beyond just the housing material. Although the overall sound characteristics—such as resonance and sound absorption—will remain consistent due to the nylon housings, the tactile feedback and bottom-out feel can differ, depending on other factors like spring tension and switch design. Thus, while the nylon material promotes a similar auditory result, the switches may still provide distinct user experiences when pressed, making them subjectively different despite their shared material origin.
Ultimately, if both top and bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile and Rosewood switches are composed of nylon, they will achieve comparable sound profiles during operation. The effects of the nylon material will propagate through the entire switch, affecting both the auditory experience when key presses happen and the sensation felt upon releasing the key. This means that regardless of individual switch characteristics, users can enjoy a generally homogenous auditory output, ultimately making it a question of personal preference regarding other features such as tactile response and actuation force rather than material differences. Whether one chooses the Ice King Tactile or the Akko Rosewood, the commonality in housing materials ensures a solid foundation for enjoyable and satisfying typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are noticeable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Ice King Tactile features an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom-out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Rosewood offers a significantly lighter experience with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Ice King Tactile switch is heavier and may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to individuals who enjoy a firmer push. Meanwhile, the lighter Rosewood switch could be more suited for users seeking comfort and ease of use over longer periods. Overall, the differing forces indicate that while both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, they cater to distinct preferences regarding weight and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Ice King Tactile features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Rosewood switch offers a more pronounced depth, which can provide a satisfying feedback for users who prefer a traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may cater more to gamers and those seeking faster response times, making it a preferable choice for those who find shorter travel distances to be more responsive. Therefore, if you're looking for a more abrupt feel in your typing, the Ice King is the better option, while the Rosewood is ideal for users seeking a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 offers a more subdued auditory profile, characterized by its dampened sound that is less obtrusive than many other mechanical switches. This subtle auditory feedback allows for a quieter typing experience, particularly beneficial in shared or quiet environments. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch delivers a distinctly deeper and more resonant "thock" sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. The tonal quality of the Rosewood creates a satisfying acoustic presence that can be gratifying for typists who enjoy more pronounced sound feedback with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile is exceptional, boasting a luxurious typing experience defined by descriptors like silky, frictionless, and polished. The switch's smoothness minimizes resistance during key presses and releases, resulting in a fluid and effortless travel that elevates tactile typing to a memorable experience. Additionally, the Ice King features a stepped tactile bump, providing a defined sensation at two stages of the keystroke, which many typists find rewarding. On the other hand, the feel of the Rosewood switch isn't provided in the information, leaving that quality as an unknown, which makes it more challenging to directly compare.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko Rosewood switches cater to different preferences in auditory and tactile experiences. The Ice King excels with its refined, silky smoothness and subtle sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate a quieter, nuanced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Rosewood provides an engaging thocky sound that appeals to users who enjoy more audible feedback. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize acoustic presence or a silky tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko Rosewood linear switch should align with your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile experience that elevates typing to an art form, the Ice King Tactile is your go-to option. Its 68-gram bottom-out force offers a medium-heavy feel, which pairs beautifully with its silky, polished finish and distinct tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback during typing. This switch is also subtly subdued, making it suitable for quieter environments where you still want to enjoy tactile sensations without overwhelming noise. Conversely, if you lean towards a smoother and more effortless experience, you should consider the Akko Rosewood. With its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force, the Rosewood excels in delivering a deeper, thocky sound that many find satisfying right out of the box, perfect for gamers and typists who prefer rapid keystrokes without the tactile interruption. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a heavier feel or seek out a linear switch that emphasizes smoothness and a satisfying audio experience. Both switches have their unique charm, so consider where you’ll be using them and how you want your keyboard to feel and sound while making your choice.
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