Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Taichi 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 Bsun Taichi stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels in delivering a refined tactile experience, skillfully combining a distinct tactile bump with a silky-smooth keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate tactile feedback while maintaining a sense of subtlety in their typing, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi offers a linear typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and a unique high-pitched sound with its clacky acoustic profile. This switch is well-suited for users who prefer a quiet yet responsive keystroke, allowing for rapid key presses without the tactile interruption. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches relies on your personal preference for tactile feedback versus smooth linearity. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Taichi, noticeable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which is known for its deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer properties. This soft nature allows the nylon to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a clearer sound profile, making it especially suited for setups involving RGB lighting, where its translucency can enhance visual effects.
However, when we shift our focus to the bottom housings, both the Ice King Tactile and the Taichi showcase the same material: nylon. This commonality means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities remain consistent regardless of the variation in top housing material. Therefore, in terms of the overall auditory experience when pressing the key, both switches will share a similar foundation due to their identical bottom housings, which influences the tactile feedback and sound profile when the switch is activated.
In essence, while the Ice King Tactile and Bsun Taichi differ significantly in their top housing materials—thus offering contrasting sound profiles during key release—they converge on a similar auditory experience during activation. The nylon used in both switches’ bottom housings ensures a resemblance in the deeper sounds produced when keys are bottomed out. Consequently, although users may experience different auditory tones with each switch’s top housing, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing harmonizes their overall performance, leading to a shared undercurrent of sound and feedback that typists can appreciate across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see a significant difference in actuation force. The Ice King Tactile requires an actuation force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which can provide a more tactile and substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch has a much lighter actuation force of 40 grams, appealing to those who favor a lighter touch, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unknown, while the Ice King Tactile's bottom out force is 68 grams. This means that while both switches might feel different at the point of actuation, the Ice King Tactile will likely offer a more pronounced feedback when bottoming out due to its heavier force. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter option, the Bsun Taichi will be the better choice; conversely, the Ice King Tactile will provide a heavier, more substantial feel, especially when pressed all the way down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Ice King Tactile measures at 3.5 mm, while the Taichi offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches' distances are relatively close, they cater to different preferences. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. In contrast, the Taichi's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Thus, if you're leaning towards a more responsive experience, the Durock Ice King Tactile would be the better choice, whereas the Bsun Taichi might be more suited for users who prefer the comfort of a longer 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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized as subdued, producing a dampened sound that is pleasant yet not overwhelming. This means that while it’s audible, it doesn’t have the sharpness that might distract in quieter environments. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a clacky sound that is bright and crisp, delivering a snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This difference means that while the Ice King Tactile provides a more subtle and muted typing experience, the Taichi will be more engaging and pronounced, potentially creating a livelier atmosphere, especially in a setting where sound contributes to the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile excels with its silky, frictionless, and polished characteristics, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This creates a luxurious sensation as fingers glide from key to key. On the other hand, while the Taichi also has a polished finish that results in smooth key travel, it does not possess the same level of frictionless flow that the Ice King provides. This means that while both switches offer a refined feel, the Ice King Tactile delivers an unparalleled effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who desire smoothness and ease.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Bsun Taichi switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Ice King Tactile leans towards a subdued, sophisticated auditory presence coupled with silky smoothness, while the Taichi presents a lively clacky sound with a polished touch. If you prefer a more muted typing experience that emphasizes tactile feedback, the Ice King Tactile stands out, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced sound with a smooth finish, the Taichi could be the better option. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on whether sound or tactile feel is more important to your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your preferences in typing feel, sound, and intended use. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump combined with a smooth, silky experience, the Ice King Tactile is the ideal switch for you. Its medium-heavy actuation (bottom out force of 68 grams) is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of resistance when typing, making it a great choice for both typists and gamers who prefer a tactile response without being overly taxing on the fingers. Moreover, if you're in quieter environments where a subdued sound profile is preferable, the dampened auditory feedback of the Ice King Tactile may enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a clackier sound and an effortless, smooth travel typically associated with linear switches, the Bsun Taichi may be more suited to your needs. Its design promotes a bright, sharp auditory experience coupled with a polished finish, offering an enchanting typing sensation that shines in both a gaming and a casual typing context. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch resonate most with you—be it the tactile feedback and subdued sound of the Ice King or the linear smoothness and clacky acoustics of the Taichi—to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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