Durock Ice King Tactile vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star Duck mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options for a tactile typing experience. The Ice King Tactile offers a blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, resulting in a uniquely satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile feel, with a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Duck switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star Duck, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective nylon and polycarbonate materials. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its relatively stiffer plastic makeup, leading to a clearer and resonant sound. While the Ice King Tactile emphasizes a more muted typing experience, the SP-Star Duck offers a more vibrant and precise sound output.
Despite their differences, both the Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star Duck showcase the impact housing materials can have on the overall sound profile of a switch. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Ice King Tactile provide a consistent typing experience with a focus on depth and fullness, ideal for users looking for a quieter and more subdued typing sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the SP-Star Duck deliver a distinct typing experience with a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for users seeking a more precise and pronounced typing sound. Both housing materials offer their unique benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In terms of construction, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing in a switch can influence the sound and feel during key presses and releases. While the bottom housing tends to affect the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether a user prefers the softer and absorbent qualities of nylon in the Ice King Tactile or the sharper and more resonant characteristics of polycarbonate in the SP-Star Duck, both options offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it slightly heavier than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch which has a bottom out force of 58 grams but no specified actuation force. While both switches fall into the medium category in terms of weight, the Ice King Tactile requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Duck switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switch may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing too much fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch would be the preferable choice. Overall, the decision between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Duck switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Ice King. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience for users who are sensitive to travel distance. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Ice King with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Duck switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Overall, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distances, but users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both options.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 offers a subdued experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed, resulting in a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. Both switches offer different sound experiences, catering to those who prefer either a quieter or more standard sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished qualities, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with refined finishes. In comparison, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a milder and buttery feel, with a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Ice King Tactile switch may appeal more to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and smoother keystrokes, while the Duck switch offers a gentler typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and SP-Star Duck switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile switch provides a pronounced tactile bump with a creamy smoothness and a subdued sound, while the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactility with a clean and crispy sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound preference. Regardless of the choice made, both switches promise a satisfying tactile typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the SP-Star Duck tactile switches, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Ice King Tactile. This switch offers a unique tactile sensation that blends smoothness with a defined bump, giving you a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feel with a medium bottom out force, the SP-Star Duck switch may be the better choice. It provides a gentle tactility and a clean sound profile, making it suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for either a more pronounced or a milder tactile experience.
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