Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, you'll encounter a choice between a tactile and a linear switch, respectively. The Ice King Tactile boasts a remarkable blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, perfect for environments requiring quieter typing with its cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. While the Ice King Tactile excels in tactile precision, the Silent Ink Black emphasizes noise reduction. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both use unique materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both offer distinct sound profiles, the Ice King Tactile leans towards a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and higher-pitched sound of the Silent Ink Black.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black continue to showcase their differences. The Ice King Tactile uses a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound, creating a clacky typing experience. The separation of these housing materials allows for a unique combination of sound characteristics to be produced by each switch.
While the housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black vary, their impact on overall sound and feel is similar. The bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the softer nylon material of the Ice King Tactile creating a duller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend material of the Silent Ink Black. Additionally, the top housing of each switch influences the sound when a key is released, showcasing the deeper and fuller sound of the Ice King Tactile against the higher-pitched characteristics of the Silent Ink Black. In essence, while their housing materials differ, both switches offer unique typing experiences with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch with 60 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King Tactile at 68 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams. This means that while the Ice King Tactile may require a bit less force to trigger a keystroke, both switches will feel relatively similar when fully pressed down. Some users may prefer the slightly lighter actuation force of the Ice King Tactile for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier push of the Silent Ink Black for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black switch may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, it is important to note that both switches offer a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. The Ice King Tactile provides a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches are suitable for environments where noise needs to be minimized, but the Ice King Tactile may offer a slightly softer sound overall.
In terms of feel, both the Ice King Tactile and the Silent Ink Black switches offer a silky and smooth typing experience. The Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, this switch is described as frictionless and polished, offering minimal resistance and a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a pillow-like bottom-out feel and is also described as silky and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the Ice King Tactile and the Silent Ink Black switches differ slightly in their sound characteristics, they both offer a pleasant typing experience with a focus on smoothness and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a more subdued sound with a pronounced tactile bump or a muted sound with a cushioned bottom-out feel, both switches provide high-quality performance for typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a unique tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing environment with a cushiony bottom-out feel and smooth key travel, the Silent Ink Black switch is the better choice. Ultimately, it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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