Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience, and two switches that exemplify these categories are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Snow. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its luxurious tactile feedback, combining a silky smoothness with a pronounced bump that elevates each keystroke into a delightful tactile experience. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate the distinct sensation of tactile feedback while typing, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who find joy in the physical response of their keyboard. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a different flavor, featuring a unique POK material that both enriches the overall sound profile and ensures a smooth, frictionless experience. Its low-pitched, bouncy characteristics make it perfect for users seeking a quiet, fluid typing or gaming experience. Both switches have their merits, appealing to different typing preferences, but when it comes down to choosing the right one for your needs, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Snow switches exhibit both similarities and differences that affect their acoustic and tactile responses. For the top housing, the Ice King Tactile uses nylon, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Snow's top housing utilizes POK material, also known as polyketone, which has a higher coefficient of friction and excellent durability. POK's properties lend themselves to a smoother action and a clackier sound, introducing a different auditory dimension compared to the Ice King's mellow tones. Thus, users can expect varying sound profiles when typing on these switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ice King Tactile and Dareu Snow utilize nylon, highlighting a commonality that plays a role in their auditory experience. As mentioned, nylon is known for its ability to create a fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This results in a similar tactile and auditory feedback when the key bottoms out, giving both switches a comparable heaviness and depth during use. This shared material for the lower housing means that while the upper housings differ in properties and sound output, the fundamental response of both switches remains aligned at their bases, ensuring the deeper sound experience persists regardless of the respective top materials.
Overall, the combination of materials in the Durock Ice King Tactile and Dareu Snow switches leads to distinct and nuanced variations in sound and feel. The Ice King's nylon top produces a softer, rounded sound, while the Snow's POK top offers a smoother and clackier typing experience. However, with both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, they ensure a consistent auditory and tactile baseline during keypresses. This bifurcated material approach allows for a unique blend of characteristics, appealing to different preferences among typists while still delivering reliable and enjoyable performance through their shared bottom housing composition.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Snow switch features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. This means that users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing and gaming may appreciate the heftier Ice King Tactile for its firmer resistance, suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Conversely, the lighter Snow switch is ideal for individuals looking for a more effortless typing experience, reducing fatigue during extended use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a heavier, more tactile feedback or a lighter, smoother keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Snow features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a hearty feel during typing. In contrast, the Snow's shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive typing experience, which is often favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation times. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences—whether one values the tactile feedback of a deeper press or the speed of a shorter 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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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, both switches offer distinct auditory profiles that cater to different preferences. The Durock Ice King Tactile is characterized by a subdued sound, providing a dampened experience that’s soft yet not entirely silent. This makes it suitable for a quieter environment where distractions are minimized. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch promises a thocky sound, delivering a deep, rich tone akin to a soft thud or knock, along with a low-pitched resonance that can be both satisfying and noticeable. This deeper sound signature might resonate more in a lively setting. Therefore, if you prefer a keyboard that is less noisy, the Ice King Tactile would be your ideal choice, while the Snow switch appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced audio feedback.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are also pronounced. The Ice King Tactile incorporates silky and frictionless qualities, creating an exceptionally smooth typing experience devoid of resistance. Its stepped design gives a unique tactile sensation, allowing users to notice distinct stages in the keystroke. Meanwhile, the Snow switch offers a bouncy feel, providing an elastic response that energizes each keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile focuses on a refined, polished touch, the Snow's bounciness may appeal to those who enjoy a more lively and springy interaction. Both switches offer physical characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, although they cater to different tactile preferences.
Overall, if you’re choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Snow switch, both will deliver satisfying typing experiences, albeit in different ways. The Ice King Tactile excels with its smooth and subdued tactile feedback, making it ideal for quieter settings or those seeking a refined feel. The Snow switch, in contrast, stands out with its emphasis on a rich sound and a bouncy, engaging feel, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience. Your choice should align with your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback to ensure the best usability and satisfaction in your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation and enjoy a medium-heavy typing force, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent option for you. Its silky and frictionless experience, combined with a subdued sound signature, makes it ideal for creating a satisfying typing environment, particularly if you enjoy the tactile feedback in your writing or coding tasks. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter experience, the Snow linear switch may be your better choice. With its bouncy feel and thocky sound profile, it offers an enjoyable and nearly silent typing experience that’s great for both gaming and professional workspaces where noise level may be a consideration. In essence, your lifestyle and typing preferences should guide your final decision—whether you crave tactile feedback or a more seamless keystroke experience, both switches stand out in their own right, catering to different keyboard aesthetics and functional needs.
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