Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the distinctive characteristics that each type offers. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, making every keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. This switch offers a unique blend of tactile feedback and polished refinement, appealing to users who appreciate the art of typing with both comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch delivers a super smooth linear typing experience, enhanced by its Ly stems that provide a resonant sound profile with each press. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback of its tactile counterpart. While both switches have their own unique benefits—one favoring touch and feedback, the other smoothness and auditory satisfaction—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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Tomcat, significant contrasts arise from their respective top housings. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer, more absorbent qualities. This allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon dampens vibrations and creates a rounder acoustical character. In contrast, the Tomcat is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a favored option for RGB lighting applications, as it diffuses light efficiently, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of backlit setups.
Both switches do, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both the Ice King Tactile and the Tomcat utilize nylon for this component. This similarity in bottom housing means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as the nylon absorbs sound in a similar manner in both cases. Consequently, the tactile feedback during key presses will have a consistent, pleasing quality, creating similarities in the overall typing experience despite the different top housing materials. Users can expect a comfortable tactile response regardless of which switch they choose, thanks to the dependable characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing.
In summary, even though the Ice King Tactile and the Tomcat utilize distinct materials for their top housings, the similarities in their bottom housings create a bridge between the two. The nylon bottom housing effectively contributes to a fuller sound experience for both switches, which contrasts with the unique sound profiles produced by their differing top materials. Thus, while users may notice differences in typing acoustics due to the top housing materials, the key feel and bottom-out sound will resonate similarly, providing a cohesive experience in tactile feedback across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Tomcat exhibits a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Ice King Tactile requires more effort to trigger and fully press down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat’s lighter force allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it a better choice for those who need a switch conducive to prolonged use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. Overall, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option, while the Tomcat is lighter, providing distinct experiences based on the user’s preference for actuation feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Ice King Tactile features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches are relatively close in distance, the Tomcat switch provides a marginally deeper key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize responsiveness might favor the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Ice King, as it allows for quicker actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for depth and tactile feedback; those seeking a more responsive experience may gravitate toward the Ice King, while individuals wanting a heartier sensation might opt for the Tomcat.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Ice King Tactile is noted for its subdued quality. This means that while it produces a notable sound upon actuation, it is softer and less intrusive compared to many other mechanical switches. The dampened sound signature allows for a quieter typing experience without entirely sacrificing the auditory feedback that some users may enjoy. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Tomcat linear switch remain unspecified, but it typically features a more consistent and potentially louder sound due to its linear nature, which may lend itself to a different auditory experience than the muted tones of the Ice King.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a luxurious tactile experience characterized by a silky, frictionless action and a pronounced tactile bump that gives it a distinctive stepped feel. This combination not only minimizes resistance during key presses but also provides satisfying feedback that lets the typist know when the key has been actuated. The switch is polished, suggesting an exceptionally smooth finish that reduces friction further. On the other hand, the Tomcat's feel details are unspecified, but as a linear switch, it is likely to provide a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke, emphasizing a different tactile experience than the pronounced bump found in tactile switches like the Ice King.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of sound and tactile sensation, delivering a subdued auditory profile and an exceptionally smooth, tactile experience that feels both refined and responsive. The Tomcat linear switch, while lacking specific descriptions for its sound and feel, would likely offer a different experience focused on uninterrupted keystrokes. Together, these switches cater to distinct preferences, giving newcomers the opportunity to explore the various nuances that mechanical keyboard switches can provide, guiding them toward their ideal typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch depends heavily on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a tactile experience that offers a pronounced bump and smoothness, the Ice King Tactile is the ideal choice; its medium-heavy profile (with a particularly satisfying 68 grams of force to bottom out) provides a solid feedback that can enhance typing precision and enjoyment, making it suitable for long typing sessions and even some gaming. Its subdued sound makes it a great option for quieter environments, while its silky and frictionless action adds a refined touch to each keystroke. Conversely, if you lean towards a light and airy typing feel, the Bsun Tomcat with its medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams may be more suitable for you. The Tomcat’s smooth action and resonance create a distinct auditory experience that can be a joy for those who enjoy a more linear feel. It’s particularly advantageous for rapid typing and gaming, where quick, fluid strokes are beneficial. In essence, choosing the Ice King Tactile centers around a tactile, feedback-rich experience, while the Tomcat caters to those who value a seamless, swift linear action. Make your selection based on what feels right for your typing style and the specific use cases you anticipate.
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