Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch redefines tactile typing with its creamy smoothness and pronounced bump, creating an exquisite blend that elevates your keystrokes to an art form. This switch embodies a unique combination of features: its silky and frictionless feel pairs with a subdued yet stepped tactile response, making it ideal for those who revel in the satisfaction of tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a different appeal; as a medium-weight linear switch made entirely of POM, it breaks the price barrier without compromising on quality. With its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, this switch caters to users who prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience devoid of tactile bumps. Each switch provides distinct advantages depending on your typing preferences and style; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it's evident that both designs utilize distinct materials—nylon for the Ice King and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie—which result in unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top and bottom housing is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound during typing. This softer plastic creates a sound that is duller and rounder, contributing to a rich auditory experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing, while also aimed at producing a muted sound, achieves this through a different mechanism, delivering a unique and pleasing audio quality that still aligns with a lower sound profile but may feel sharper or crisper to the user.
Despite their differences, both the Ice King and Sea Salt Smoothie switches will generate similar acoustic outcomes due to the weight of the impact each housing has on the overall sound. For example, while the Ice King’s nylon absorbs sound and offers a rounded tone, the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie reflects specific frequencies in a way that provides a richer sound experience. However, users will notice that the Ice King's nylon material's softness leads to a more cushioned feel upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the POM plastic may provide a more pronounced feedback as the switch engages and disengages, highlighting the tactile feedback of the Sea Salt Smoothie while maintaining a muted sound.
Ultimately, the tactile experience is largely influenced by both the top and bottom housings, which work in tandem to create a cohesive typing experience. While each switch's individual characteristics are defined by their unique housing materials, the combination of nylon and POM ensures that both options create a satisfying typing environment. As a result, typists who appreciate the acoustics and tactile feedback of switches will find that either the Ice King Tactile or the Sea Salt Smoothie can cater to their preferences, with each providing a distinct yet enjoyable experience reflected in their design and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This makes the Ice King more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, whereas the lighter Sea Salt Smoothie allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for users who favor comfort. Furthermore, the Ice King's bottom out force is 68 grams, indicating the force required to bottom out or press the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving it unclear how it compares in terms of overall key travel experience. Consequently, while both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Ice King is the heavier option, and the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter one, offering users contrasting feedback based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a clear distinction can be made between the two. The Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Sea Salt Smoothie, which features a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that if you're looking for a more responsive keystroke favored by gamers, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feedback from their key presses, as it allows for a heartier depth during use. Therefore, while both switches offer unique attributes suited to different preferences, the Ice King Tactile clearly provides a quicker response, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a more pronounced feel.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out with its subdued auditory profile, providing a dampened sound that makes for a more subtle typing experience. This characteristic is ideal for those who thrive in quieter environments, as the muted tones create an unassuming atmosphere while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its "thocky" sound profile, which delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, meaning that each switch’s sound will ultimately depend on the specific setup.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile excels with its combination of silky smoothness and a well-defined tactile bump that strikes a balance between comfort and feedback. This switch provides a frictionless experience, ensuring that key presses are effortless and fluid, while the stepped nature of the tactile response offers a clear sensation of pre-travel and post-travel without overwhelming the typist. Additionally, the polished finish enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing friction and maximizing smooth key travel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, though praised for its exceptional smoothness, lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving its tactile engagement and overall typing experience somewhat open to interpretation.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch delivers a refined combination of subdued sound and a satisfyingly smooth tactile feel, making it a desirable choice for typists who enjoy a nuanced and quiet experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more resonant sound profile with an emphasis on smooth operation but without documented details about its tactile quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, but both aim to provide satisfying experiences tailored to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches should be guided by your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you value a tactile response that enhances your typing with a pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom-out force for better feedback. This switch's silky and frictionless feel allows for an elevated typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy typing for extended periods or engaging in gaming sessions that benefit from that tactile confirmation. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would be the way to go. Known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, it is ideal for users who prefer linear switches that provide a seamless keypress without the tactile bump that could disrupt fast typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your comfort preferences—whether you lean towards a tactile sensation with subdued sound or a smooth, linear experience that emphasizes quiet operation and a satisfying keystroke.
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