Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between a tactile and a linear switch, each offering unique advantages. The Ice King Tactiles stand out for their smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silvers are known for their short travel distance, fast actuation, and thocky sound. Both switches have their own strengths that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Smoothie Silver features POM for both components. The nylon material of the Ice King Tactile is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM material of the Smoothie Silver offers a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, providing a pleasing typing experience.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and the Smoothie Silver share the common characteristic of offering a satisfying sound profile during typing. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile work together to create a cohesive sound experience that is deep and full. Similarly, the POM top and bottom housings of the Smoothie Silver combine to produce a unique sound profile that is pleasing and muted. While the materials themselves may differ, the end result is a similar typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a deeper sound profile in their switches.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material has a direct influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound produced when a key is released. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch is essential in creating a well-rounded typing experience that satisfies both auditory and tactile preferences. Whether it's the nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile or the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver, the balance between these elements is key in achieving a desired sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver only needs 45 grams to actuate, with the bottom out force being unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Smoothie Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial push may opt for the Ice King Tactile. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Ice King Tactile being heavier and the Smoothie Silver being lighter.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. While the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly longer travel distance, the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will likely come down to personal preference regarding the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed that is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's sound profile is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. These qualities enhance the overall typing feel and offer a fluid travel, creating a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Smoothie Silver switch is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a symphony of touch that is rare and satisfying. While the sound and feel of the Smoothie Silver switch are unknown, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a refined experience that appeals to tactile typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique and satisfying tactile typing experience with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear typing experience with a focus on speed and smoothness, the Smoothie Silver would be the better option. The Smoothie Silver features lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and smoothness over tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences.
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