Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly when comparing tactile and linear switches like the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Huano Sakura. The Ice King Tactile stands out with its exquisite tactile feedback, providing users with a pronounced bump that elevates the typing experience to new heights. This switch is renowned for its creamy smoothness and frictionless action, making every keystroke feel polished and satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch embodies a feather-light touch, offering a linear feel that is ideal for prolonged typing tasks without the distraction of pronounced tactile feedback; it delivers a more fluid, uninterrupted experience. While the Ice King Tactile may appeal to those who thrive on tactile feedback during typing, the Sakura might be the ideal choice for users who prioritize speed and comfort in their typing sessions. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile switches and the Huano Sakura switches, one notable distinction can be found in the composition of their top housings. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs more sound than harder alternatives, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sakura utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers a different auditory texture. Although POK has a slightly higher coefficient of friction, it enhances the smoothness of the switch actuation and contributes to a clackier sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim for an engaging typing experience, their sound characteristics differ significantly based on the top housing materials.
In contrast, when considering the bottom housings, both the Ice King Tactile and the Sakura employ nylon. The significance of this choice lies in its ability to influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Given that nylon is used in both switches for the bottom housing, users can anticipate a similar auditory quality when the key is pressed down all the way. This shared material contributes to a cohesive experience when bottoming out, creating that familiar deeper and rounder sound profile which is a hallmark of nylon. Despite the differences in their top housings, the consistency of nylon in the bottom housing presents a balancing factor.
Ultimately, the combination of materials leads to unique sensory experiences that cater to various user preferences. While the Ice King Tactile offers a smoother, more muted sound owing to its softer nylon top, the Huano Sakura’s use of POK material provides a sharper, more responsive feedback through its top housing. Nonetheless, both share similarities in their bottom housing, allowing for a familiar depth of sound when bottoming out. This nuanced differentiation, while maintaining a commonality in bottom housing material, encapsulates the intricate relationship between switch design and user experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Ice King Tactile requires a notably heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch is significantly lighter with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This disparity means that users who prioritize a lighter feel for longer typing sessions might find the Sakura a better option, while those who prefer a stronger push will gravitate towards the Ice King. Overall, the Ice King is the heavier of the two switches, making it suitable for individuals who appreciate a tactile feedback with more resistance, whereas the Sakura’s lighter forces appeal to those favoring ease and speed during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sakura switch offers a longer travel distance, albeit marginally. For users who appreciate a balanced feel when pressing down on a key, the additional 0.1 mm of the Sakura might provide a more robust experience. Conversely, for gamers or those who favor a quicker response, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may be preferable, offering a more immediate key press action. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, they cater to slightly different preferences depending on whether one values a bit more depth or quicker actuation.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued auditory profile. This means that while it produces a dampened sound when pressed, it doesn't create a completely silent experience; instead, it strikes a balance by delivering a more subtle sound signature that is less intrusive compared to many other switches. In contrast, the acoustic characteristics of the Huano Sakura switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this regard. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary based on the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile shines with a silky, frictionless typing experience that minimizes resistance, making each keypress feel fluid and effortless. The polished nature of the switch enhances this smoothness, providing a refined touch that can elevate the typing experience to new heights. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch also boasts a feather-light touch, which implies a level of ease in pressing the keys, though the specific tactile feedback it provides and the smoothness compared to the Ice King is not detailed.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Huano Sakura switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile's refined tactile experience and subdued sound profile make it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth and satisfying typing sensation, while the feather-light action of the Sakura switch appeals to those looking for a gentle touch during extended typing sessions. Despite the lack of detailed acoustic information about the Sakura, users can expect an enjoyable experience with either switch, based on their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Huano Sakura switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a heavier and more tactile typing experience, where each key press provides a pronounced feedback combined with a silky and polished feel, then the Ice King Tactile is likely the best choice for you. This switch excels in delivering a satisfying tactile response, making it ideal for those who enjoy typing or gaming with a bit more resistance and an engaging experience. On the other hand, if you value a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and prefer a switch that minimizes fatigue, the Huano Sakura should be your go-to. Its feather-light actuation and medium acoustics make it perfect for long hours of use, allowing for rapid and effortless key presses without sacrificing comfort. In summary, consider the Ice King for a rich tactile experience and the Sakura for smooth, stress-free typing, tailoring your choice to how you engage with your keyboard daily.
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