Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch stands out as a premier tactile option, elevating the tactile typing experience to an art form with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump. This unique combination offers the best of both worlds, enabling users to enjoy a satisfying and refined tactile feedback that enhances both typing precision and enjoyment. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is an exemplary linear switch that brings smoothness to the forefront, featuring Ly stems that deliver a super smooth typing experience paired with a resonant sound profile. While the Ice King focuses on providing tactile feedback that helps typists feel where each keypress occurs, the Tomcat offers a quieter, uninterrupted flow that many gamers and typists appreciate for its seamless keystrokes. Each switch brings distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and needs; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 (Heavy), it is evident that there are both similarities and differences that influence the overall typing experience. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, rounder sound profile due to the softness of the material. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This fundamental difference in material leads to distinct acoustic characteristics; while the Ice King Tactile offers a mellower typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides clarity and resonance, making it more suited for users who prefer pronounced auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which plays a significant role in the overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches delivers a deeper and fuller sound due to its inherent ability to absorb sound, creating a more muted bottom-out experience. This commonality means that even though the key sound profiles differ with respect to their top housings, users of both switches will enjoy a similar subdued acoustic quality when bottoming out their keys. This configuration allows users who prioritize a deeper bottom-out sound to find satisfaction in both options, though the upper-end sounds will vary.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings sets the tone for the typing experience on each switch. With the nylon bottom housing present in both the Ice King Tactile and the Tomcat (Heavy), users can expect a comparable bottom-out experience characterized by a soft landing. However, the divergence in the top housing materials means that the auditory feedback during the key release will be markedly different. Those who appreciate a heavier, more muted acoustic response may gravitate towards the Ice King Tactile, while users seeking a bright and resonant sound profile will likely prefer the Tomcat (Heavy). Despite their differences, the similarities in the bottom housing ensure a consistent tactile foundation that underlies both typing experiences.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile requires an actuation force of 58 grams and has a bottom out force of 68 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams. This makes the Ice King Tactile the heavier of the two switches when it comes to both actuation and bottom out forces. Consequently, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Ice King, while users looking for a lighter touch might find the Tomcat more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while both are considered medium-heavy, the Tomcat offers a more gentle push, which might be preferable for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ice King Tactile features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Tomcat switch offers a longer press compared to the Ice King, albeit marginally. For users who favor more responsiveness, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, facilitating quicker actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper feel in their key presses might lean towards the Bsun Tomcat, as it provides that additional millimeter for a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively shallow travel distances in the context of traditional standards, the Ice King may cater more to gamers and those seeking rapid feedback, while the Tomcat appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 (Heavy) 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile presents a subdued auditory profile, providing a dampened yet not completely silent experience. This subtle sound signature makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. Conversely, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has not been explicitly defined, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its auditory characteristics. It’s worth noting that the overall sound produced can also be influenced by the keyboard build, materials, and keycap selection, meaning that users can achieve a desired acoustic environment with either switch, depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile offers a luxurious typing experience characterized by a silky smoothness, frictionless key travel, and a pronounced tactile bump. This combination ensures that each keystroke is both satisfying and effortless, thanks to the polished finish and the stepped nature of the switch, which allows for a nuanced feedback without overwhelming the typist. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), while noted for its super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, lacks the detailed tactile feedback and smooth qualities that define the Ice King. Again, the Tomcat’s specific feel qualities remain unknown, making direct comparisons less precise in this regard.
In summary, the Durock Ice King Tactile stands out for its subdued sound, refined tactile bump, and exceptionally smooth typing experience, creating a delightful interaction with the keyboard. While the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) may provide a similar smoothness due to its Ly stems, the lack of specific sound and feel descriptors makes it challenging to determine how it stacks up directly against the Ice King. Ultimately, both switches may appeal to different preferences, with the Ice King Tactile catering to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a softer sound profile, while the Tomcat (Heavy) may invite curiosity for those who prioritize overall smoothness in their keypresses.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you’re someone who enjoys tactile feedback while typing and values a premium tactile experience, the Ice King Tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its pronounced tactile bump contributes to a richer typing experience, and its silky, frictionless feel makes every keystroke smooth and satisfying. Additionally, if you prefer a subdued auditory profile that minimizes noise during typing, the Ice King Tactile caters to that need as well. On the other hand, if you lean towards a linear experience with a heavier feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is the way to go. Its 64-gram actuation weight offers a robust typing resistance, and the super smooth Ly stems guarantee a seamless experience with each keystroke. This switch is well-suited for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and a resonant sound profile, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more traditional linear feel. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you seek tactile engagement or a smooth linear experience, allowing you to tailor your keyboard to fit your specific typing style.
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