Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Ice King Tactile switch is celebrated for its extraordinary blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, offering a uniquely satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a pronounced bump with each keystroke. It's perfect for users who enjoy tactile switches that provide tactile feedback without the harshness often associated with other varieties. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g emphasizes a gentle and quiet typing experience with its ultra-light bottom-out force, making it an ideal choice for typists who prioritize a serene working environment or often find themselves typing in shared spaces. While the Ice King Tactile caters to those who thrive on tactile sensations, the Silent Sakura appeals to those seeking a whisper-soft touch. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it's evident that there is a similarity in the top housing configuration. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, which is renowned for its sound-absorbing properties. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often praise for its warm, muted acoustic characteristics. The nylon top housing effectively dampens higher frequency sounds, thus enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a rounder auditory feedback. Consequently, users can anticipate a similar aural experience when engaging with both switches in terms of the quality of sound produced upon keystrokes.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches reveals a notable difference. The Ice King Tactile employs nylon for its bottom housing, which aligns with the sound characteristics of its top housing, resulting in a cohesive sound profile throughout the switch. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This choice introduces a distinct sound signature; polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and gives a sharper, clearer sound profile compared to the dulled sound produced by nylon. The unique combination of nylon on top and polycarbonate on the bottom in the Silent Sakura provides a contrast in auditory feedback, offering a crisper sound during a bottom-out moment, which can affect the overall typing sensation and clarity of the keystrokes.
Ultimately, while both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g share nylon in their top housings, their differing bottom housings yield varied results in terms of audible feedback and typing feel. Users of both switches will likely notice distinct sound profiles during use; however, those who prefer the deeper tones will appreciate the Ice King Tactile's cohesive nylon construction. Meanwhile, those interested in a sharper sound may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, benefiting from the polycarbonate's more resonant qualities at the bottom-out. In either case, users can find satisfaction in the compatibility of their typing experience, influenced largely by the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback and resistance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort over long typing sessions or prolonged gaming. Essentially, the Ice King is the heavier option, which might appeal to users looking for a more robust feel, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter choice, catering to those who want a softer touch. Consequently, these differences can influence user experience based on individual preferences for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Ice King Tactile features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Silent Sakura switch will provide a more pronounced key press experience, as it allows for a deeper travel, which some users may find satisfying and comforting. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or those who prefer a quicker response time, as the 3.5 mm travel can feel more immediate and responsive. Therefore, potential users need to weigh their preferences carefully: if they prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Ice King Tactile could be the better choice; however, if they appreciate a more hearty feel during typing or gaming, the Silent Sakura could be preferable due to its longer travel distance.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 profile, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch produces a subdued acoustic signature, delivering a softly dampened sound with each keystroke. While it does not create a fully silent typing experience, this offers a more subtle auditory footprint compared to many other switches, allowing for a less intrusive typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch excels in delivering an exceptionally quiet experience, resembling the calming sound of raindrops. This whisper-quiet characteristic makes it ideal for quiet settings or in scenarios where minimal noise is preferred. With both switches, the acoustic output can be influenced by factors such as your keyboard’s build and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switches are celebrated for their creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced tactile bump, creating an engaging typing experience that rises to the level of an art form. The silky and frictionless characteristics facilitate a smooth and effortless keystroke, while the stepped nature of the tactile bump provides a clear indication of actuation without overwhelming the user. This balance ensures a refined and enjoyable experience ideal for diverse typing styles. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Silent Sakura - 43g switch are not detailed, leaving an unknown gap for those specifically looking for tactile nuances.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a unique blend of tactile feedback and subdued sound that results in a rich and enjoyable typing experience, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch emphasizes an ultra-quiet linear experience that suits light typists in serene environments. Each switch caters to different preferences, highlighting the possibilities available in the realm of mechanical keyboards. For typists who prioritize a tactile feel with moderate sound levels, the Ice King Tactile stands out, whereas those seeking an extremely quiet typing experience may find the Silent Sakura more appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a more tactile experience that combines a pronounced bump with smooth key travel, the Ice King Tactile is ideal for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 68 grams is perfect for users who appreciate tactile feedback and desire a fluid, yet satisfying keystroke that can enhance your typing rhythm. Additionally, the subtle sound signature of the Ice King Tactile makes it suitable for shared workspaces or quiet environments, where you'll appreciate the dampened acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards a whisper-quiet experience that promotes a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura - 43g will be your go-to switch. With its gentle, 43-gram bottom-out force, it caters to light typists who lean towards a serene atmosphere and may want to minimize noise, making it fantastic for late-night work sessions or collaborative spaces. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you value engaging tactile responses or a noise-free typing experience, ultimately tailoring your keyboard to suit your personal preferences and environment.
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