Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both stand out as top choices for tactile typing enthusiasts. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium-high level of tactility with its long, two-staged spring, providing deep and resonating thocks while typing. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', and 'Subdued', the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Sharp'. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Ice King Tactile featuring nylon top and bottom housings, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring uses polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. The nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffness, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Ice King Tactile and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, they both offer unique advantages based on their material composition. The nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile provides a softer typing experience, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a more crisp and clear sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's housing is beneficial for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is evident that each material contributes differently to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing are most noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique tactile and auditory experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it's evident that the Ice King Tactile switch is slightly heavier in both aspects. With an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, the Ice King Tactile provides a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a slightly lighter option overall. The difference in force between the two switches may not be very significant, and users may still achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile switch would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile being on the shorter end and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring being on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the keys.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 comparing the sound of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp tone that is bright and percussive. Depending on personal preference, the Ice King Tactile may be preferred for its quieter typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch appeals to those who enjoy a more lively and audible typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Ice King Tactile is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped typing feel, characterized by a high feedback intensity and a spring-like rebound sensation. Those who appreciate a more tactile and responsive typing experience may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, while the Ice King Tactile switch is suited for individuals seeking a smooth and refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile provides a subdued sound and a smooth typing experience, appealing to users looking for a quieter and polished feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch delivers a clacky sound and a sharp, bouncy typing feel, catering to those who prefer a more tactile and lively typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing sensation.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, you should consider the level of tactility, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a smoother, medium-heavy tactile switch with a unique blend of smoothness and tactility, the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with a sharper and snappier sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value the most - whether it's a silky and polished feel or a sharp and responsive feedback. Just remember to consider your personal preferences and needs when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
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