Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Huano Strawberry Latte represent two distinct yet equally enticing options tailored to different typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its unique fusion of silky smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, offering a nuanced typing experience that many enthusiasts describe as an art form. This switch allows users to enjoy a rich tactile sensation without sacrificing a fluid feel, being categorized as subdued and polished for those seeking a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte champions linearity with its exceptionally smooth actuation and balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor unhindered keystrokes and swift executions. While both switches cater to diverse user preferences—one focusing on tactility and the other on smoothness—they ultimately enhance the typing experience in different ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it becomes evident that the two switches employ distinct top housings while utilizing the same bottom housing material. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which is known for its deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller sound that can be more satisfying for typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while offering a smoother typing experience with its low friction factor, produces a sound that is described as clacky. Thus, the Ice King Tactile leans toward a more muted acoustic profile, while the Strawberry Latte’s POK material gives it a distinctly sharper sound signature.
On the other hand, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which establishes a common ground in terms of overall sound dampening and acoustic characteristics. The inclusion of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that they will exhibit similar traits when it comes to the feel and bottom-out sound. The same qualities that contribute to the Ice King Tactile's deeper sound also apply to the Strawberry Latte, thanks to this shared bottom housing material. In this scenario, the impact of the bottom housing will be felt in both switches similarly, allowing for a consistent typing experience despite their differing top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings along with a shared bottom housing material allows for varied user experiences while keeping certain characteristics intact. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top provides warmth and depth in sound, while the Strawberry Latte's POK top adds a touch of smoothness and brightness. This split between the top and bottom housing materials means that enthusiasts can enjoy the unique attributes of both switches depending on their typing preferences, as the bottom housing will ensure a comparably rich acoustic backdrop. Thus, whether one prefers the deeper tones of nylon or the more pronounced sounds of polyketone, both switches have the capability of delivering satisfying results.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present a distinct contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which many users may find satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, typists who prioritize ease of use and less finger fatigue would lean towards the Strawberry Latte, while those who favor a firmer keystroke and tactile feedback would be more inclined to choose the Ice King Tactile. Overall, the Ice King offers a heavier feel, while the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter, more responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Strawberry Latte may provide a more pronounced key press experience, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, for users seeking quick response times and a more dynamic typing experience, the Durock Ice King Tactile's shorter travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches could hinge on individual preferences for key travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 considering the sound profile of these two switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile is characterized by a subdued auditory experience. This means that while it produces a sound when pressed, it's relatively dampened, providing for a more subdued environment during typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte does not have a specific sound profile described, making it challenging to directly compare its acoustic qualities to the Ice King. However, one can infer that the balanced sound profile suggests a middle ground—neither too quiet nor too loud—similar to the subtleness found in the Ice King Tactile.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile excels with its silky texture, frictionless performance, and polished finish. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhanced by a stepped tactile bump that provides a clear distinction between phases of the keystroke. The smoothness and reduced friction enhance overall comfort, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The Huano Strawberry Latte does not have specific feel characteristics outlined, so it is uncertain how its tactile feedback and overall smoothness compare to the Ice King Tactile.
In summary, while the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a rich tapestry of tactile feel with subdued sound characteristics, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides an unnamed sound profile yet balances auditory presence. The Ice King stands out with its silky and frictionless typing experience, enriched by a tactile bump, while the absence of detailed descriptions for the Strawberry Latte leaves a gap in understanding its exact sensorium. Nevertheless, both switches aim to cater to specific preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, offering unique experiences that can be tailored to individual typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a medium-heavy force, with a pronounced tactile bump that enhances your typing experience, the Ice King Tactile is the superior choice. Its silky and frictionless feel, combined with a subdued sound profile, creates a satisfying yet unobtrusive typing sound, making it ideal for both typing and gaming sessions where tactile feedback enhances accuracy. Conversely, if you prefer lighter switches with a smooth travel and a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is a fantastic option. Its 45g actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes and a less fatiguing experience during extended typing sessions, perfect for fast-paced gaming or prolonged writing tasks. Ultimately, consider your specific needs—whether you value tactile feedback or smooth linear motion—to find the switch that suits your style best.
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