Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stand out as intriguing options. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its exquisite blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is celebrated for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Ice King is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', while the Semi-Silent Linear is characterized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, with the Ice King Tactile providing a tactile masterpiece and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a smooth and quiet typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
The Durock Ice King Tactile uses a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their respective housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ice King Tactile and the Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon. This material enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound while typing, attributing to the switches' overall performance. Since the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the use of nylon in both switches contributes to a consistent experience for users. Although the top and bottom housings are the same for both switches in this case, the combination of materials still plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of each switch.
While the Ice King Tactile and the Semi-Silent Linear differ in their top housing material, they both demonstrate the significance of choosing the right housing material for a switch. The selection of nylon for the Ice King Tactile results in a specific sound profile that enhances the typing experience, while polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear offers a different, yet equally effective, sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall user experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Ice King Tactile is also higher at 68 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch requires more force to initiate a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. In terms of weight, the Ice King Tactile is heavier overall. Some may prefer the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing experience, while others may prefer the Semi-Silent Linear for a lighter touch, especially for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a bit more depth and cushioning during each keystroke with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a faster response or a more substantial key press 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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, both the Ice King Tactile and Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed. While the Ice King Tactile maintains a more subtle sound signature overall, the Semi-Silent Linear also adds a neutral touch to its sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a silky and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild and buttery, providing a gentle yet responsive typing experience. Both switches also share a polished finish, contributing to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Choosing between these switches would depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience or a gentler linear feel.
In conclusion, both the Ice King Tactile and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a pronounced tactile bump with a smooth feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a quiet typing experience with a buttery smoothness. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, these switches provide quality options for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person would be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the most.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a semi-silent topping-out sound and a moderate bottom out force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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