Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options on the market are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Sky POM. The Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its remarkable blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, elevating tactile typing to an art form with a luxurious feel that's both polished and frictionless. This made-for-typing switch is ideal for users who prefer a discernible tactile response, enhancing their overall typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a different appeal, as it is crafted entirely from POM material, providing a buttery, clacky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a linear response without tactile interruptions. While each switch caters to different preferences—tactile versus linear—both are designed to enhance your keyboard 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
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Sky POM, some similarities and distinctions arise. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, making the typing experience more pleasant and less harsh. The Ice King Tactile emphasizes the classic characteristics of nylon, producing a subdued sound when typing, while the Sky POM also benefits from the nylon material, allowing for an equally muted and rich auditory experience. This shared material in the bottom housing suggests that users can expect a consistent sound profile from both switches during bottom-out, where the nylon’s absorptive properties play a crucial role.
However, a notable difference exists in the top housing of both switches. The Ice King features a nylon top housing, which similarly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, consistent with the traits of its bottom housing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM employs a top housing made from POM (polyoxymethylene), a material recognized for creating a unique sound that is also muted but distinctly different from traditional nylon. While both designs aim for a deeper sound profile, the Ice King’s nylon top may lend a more traditional sound, whereas the Sky POM's POM top can yield a sound that feels more innovative. This variation indicates that, although both switches might function well together acoustically, the user may detect differences in tone and character based on the top material when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the overall typing feel and sound experience hinge not just on the individual materials but also on how they work together within each switch. Despite the differing top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom in both switches ensures a consistent bottoming-out feel and sound, while the distinct wicking qualities of POM in the top housing of the Sky POM could offer a fresh auditory twist. Even though users might find a resonant harmony in both switches, those who prioritize a more traditional sound profile would likely prefer the Ice King Tactile, whereas others seeking a contemporary and unique audio experience might gravitate toward the Dareu Sky POM, bringing out their preference for variation in sound character.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile features an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy category, appealing to users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance typing speed and reduce fatigue during extended usage. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown, leaving an essential detail unaddressed. Overall, those seeking a heavier, more substantial push experience might gravitate toward the Ice King Tactile, while users who value a lighter switch might find the Sky POM more advantageous, albeit with a gap in information regarding its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see a clear distinction in their designs. The Durock Ice King Tactile features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Dareu Sky POM boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. This difference in travel distance can significantly influence user experience; gamers who seek rapid key responses might prefer the Ice King for its more responsive feel. Conversely, those who appreciate a satisfying depth in their keystrokes may find the Sky POM's longer travel distance more appealing. Thus, if you lean towards quick, snappy actions, the Durock Ice King Tactile could be the better choice, whereas the Dareu Sky POM is suited for users who enjoy a fuller keystroke sensation.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch delivers a subdued auditory experience, meaning it produces a dampened sound upon actuation. While it's not completely silent, its more subtle sound signature is less intrusive compared to many switches, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch has a low-pitched sound profile that is characterized by a clacky tone. This gives it a more pronounced acoustic presence, lending a resonant quality that can be enjoyable for users who appreciate a more feedback-rich sound during their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile shines with a silky, frictionless experience. The combination of its smooth travel and a pronounced tactile bump is designed to elevate the typing experience, providing a refined, polished finish that minimizes resistance. It features a stepped tactile design that offers a subtle distinction during keystroke, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM switch also touts a creamy and buttery smoothness, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Like the Ice King Tactile, it leans toward a silky typing experience, weaving a dynamic interplay of smoothness and responsiveness, thus offering its own form of typing satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Dareu Sky POM switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ice King offers a subdued sound profile and a complex tactile feel, perfect for those seeking a more refined yet responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sky POM combines its low-pitched sound with buttery smoothness, favoring users who enjoy a more pronounced audible feedback. Ultimately, while their sound and feel differ, both switches provide an opportunity for a bespoke typing experience, and your choice will depend largely on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or sophisticated tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you favor a tactile typing experience that is both rich and satisfying, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force provides a noticeable tactile bump without being overly strenuous on your fingers, making it perfect for those who enjoy feedback while typing. Moreover, its subdued sound and silky, frictionless feel cater to users who appreciate a more refined acoustic profile without the usual distractions found in louder switches. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the Sky POM would likely suit you well. Its buttery, creamy touch offers an effortless keystroke experience, ideal for fast typists and gamers looking for a swift, linear feel. Furthermore, if clacky sounds resonate with you, the low-pitched tonal quality of the Sky POM adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to your keyboard experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal style and the type of work or gaming you engage in most frequently; each switch has compelling attributes designed to enhance your typing journey.
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