Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with a fascinating contrast between a tactile switch and a linear switch. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds with remarkable finesse. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch boasts a feather-light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists, and offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a delightful poppy sound. While the Ice King Tactile excels in its tactile typing experience, the Sakura Pink delivers a lighter touch and a more playful sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound output. 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Everglide Sakura Pink, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing while the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both. While nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing allows for a clear and translucent appearance, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting, whereas the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing does not allow for this visual effect.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and Sakura Pink offer distinct sound profiles based on their respective nylon and polycarbonate housings. The nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper and higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink. In terms of feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when the key is released.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Tactile and Everglide Sakura Pink differ in their choice of housing materials (nylon vs. polycarbonate), they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the deep and full sound of nylon or the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide a tactile typing experience that is distinct to their respective housing materials. Additionally, if a switch features a clear housing, it is more likely to be polycarbonate, making it a suitable choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard setup with RGB lighting effects.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile and Everglide Sakura Pink switches, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Sakura Pink switch will offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces in order to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink switch, we can see that the Ice King has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches. Gamers may prefer the Ice King Tactile for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may gravitate towards the Sakura Pink with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual prefers in a keypress.
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 Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch provides a muted sound, softer and quieter compared to regular switches. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Ice King Tactile may offer a more subtle sound compared to the Sakura Pink.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering a polished and frictionless feel with a stepped design for a unique tactile sensation. The Everglide Sakura Pink switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and creamy, providing an easy-to-press sensation with a frictionless operation. Both switches aim to offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, but the Ice King Tactile may provide a more refined and detailed tactile feedback compared to the Sakura Pink.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Everglide Sakura Pink switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, they differ in their sound and feel qualities. The Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued sound and a silky smooth feel with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Sakura Pink provides a poppy sound and a buttery, easy-to-press sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the unique characteristics each switch offers to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a uniquely satisfying typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, you should choose the Durock Ice King Tactile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a lower bottom out force that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a delicate touch, the Everglide Sakura Pink would be the better option for you. Consider your preference for key feel and sound when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique advantages, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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