Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the switch you choose can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell. The Ice King Tactile switches redefine tactile typing by offering a harmonious blend of creamy smoothness and an accentuated tactile bump, crafting an unparalleled experience that delights the fingers with a polished and subdued feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switches allure with their vibrant purple hue while delivering a light and clacky sensation that enhances comfort during prolonged typing sessions. For users seeking a nuanced tactile feedback that elevates each keystroke, the Ice King Tactile is an appealing choice, while those prioritizing a smooth yet engaging sound profile may find the Seashell switches more enticing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell, a significant distinction lies in the top housing material. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon, a classic ergonomic choice known for its softer properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and transparency. This material creates a sharper and more resonant sound, enhancing clarity while typing. The aesthetic appeal of the Seashell is also bolstered by the translucency of polycarbonate, which is advantageous for RGB lighting setups, thus providing users with a visually stimulating experience in addition to sound difference.
Both the Ice King Tactile and the Seashell share nylon as their bottom housing material, which harmonizes their overall acoustic properties despite their top housing differences. This shared characteristic means that when users type on either switch, they will experience the classic advantages of nylon in producing a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. This consistency in the bottom housing creates a unifying aspect that mitigates the differences brought on by the top housing materials. Thus, even though the Ice King Tactile and the Seashell exhibit contrasting sound profiles stemming from their upper housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a solid tactile feel and complement each other in overall experience.
Ultimately, the differences between the housing materials result in a unique balance between sound profiles and tactile feedback for each switch. For the Ice King Tactile, the nylon top and bottom pairing yields a smoother typing experience that leans towards warmer, muted sounds. On the other hand, the Seashell's combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom creates a crisp sound when releasing keys but retains the richness implanted by the nylon on bottom-out. Users looking for versatility may find value in each switch's characteristics, knowing that regardless of the contrasting materials used in the top housing, both switches benefit from the classic nylon touch in their bottoms, ensuring a level of familiarity in key feel and acoustic warmth across both models.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has a medium-heavy actuation force of 58 grams, requiring a stronger push to register a keystroke, while the Seashell is significantly lighter with an actuation force of only 45 grams. This difference means that the Seashell may be more comfortable for users who prioritize ease of typing during extended sessions, making it an excellent option for frequent typists or gamers. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Ice King Tactile may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer push while typing. Notably, the Seashell's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Ice King’s bottom out force is measured at 68 grams. This information suggests that while both switches offer unique benefits, the Seashell is the lighter choice, appealing to those seeking a softer typing experience, while the Ice King Tactile caters to users seeking a more robust tactile feedback with its heavier forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch differs slightly, with the Ice King Tactile measuring 3.5 mm and the Seashell at 3.4 mm. This means that the Seashell switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile. While both provide a relatively compact feel that caters to modern preferences for responsiveness, the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly deeper sensation when pressed. Consequently, those who favor a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Ice King switch, while gamers and those seeking quicker response times might prefer the Seashell due to its shorter travel.
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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 switches offer a more subdued auditory profile, providing a dampened sound that creates a quieter typing experience compared to many traditional switches. This gentle tone can be particularly appealing in environments where noise is a concern, allowing for focused typing without the distractions of louder switches. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches stand out with their clacky and high-pitched characteristics, delivering a crisp and percussive sound. This lively auditory feedback can be invigorating for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound as they type, making these switches a strong choice for those who appreciate a lively typing ambiance.
When considering feel, the Ice King Tactile stands out for its silky smoothness and polished finish, providing a frictionless typing experience that is both effortless and satisfying. The stepped tactile bump further enriches this experience, allowing typists to enjoy a distinct sense of feedback without overwhelming resistance. Meanwhile, the Seashell switches excel in their feather-light actuation. The easy-to-press nature of these switches minimizes finger fatigue, making them exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions. While both switches exhibit a polished finish, their tactile responses cater to different typing preferences—those who savor tactile feedback versus those who prefer a lighter touch.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. The Ice King switches provide a refined, smooth, and tactile experience with a subdued sound signature, making them ideal for users looking for a sophisticated, quieter option. In contrast, the Seashell switches deliver an engaging auditory feedback with a lightweight, effortless push, appealing to those who prefer a livelier, more responsive typing feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a tactile sensation that emphasizes smoothness and subtlety or a bouncier, more engaging experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch should depend largely on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile typing experience that combines smoothness with a noticeable bump, the Ice King Tactile is the switch for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 68 grams offers a satisfying resistance that many typists and gamers find rewarding, particularly if you enjoy the rhythmic feedback of a tactile switch. Additionally, the subdued sound signature makes it suitable for quieter environments, allowing you to type in comfort without disturbing those around you. Conversely, if you're looking for a lighter, more playful typing experience that’s perfect for extended sessions, the Seashell switch may be your ideal choice. With its easy-to-press, feathery feel, you'll find that it demands less effort, minimizing finger fatigue during long gaming or typing marathons. Plus, its bright, clacky sound adds a lively element that can enhance your typing experience, especially in a more casual or spirited setting. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prioritize typing feedback, sound profile, and comfort to best suit your needs.
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