Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Twilight stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Ice King Tactile switch is celebrated for elevating tactile feedback to new heights, offering a creamy smoothness interlaced with a distinctive tactile bump that provides a satisfying, almost artistic typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation without a jarring interruption in flow. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed for those who prefer a smoother and quieter keystroke, featuring an extended 3.85mm travel distance that allows for a slightly subdued but still satisfying typing sound, perfect for users who want to maintain the characteristic clacky feel without excessive noise. Each switch caters to different preferences, whether you crave the vivid tactile sensation of the Ice King or the whisper-soft glide of the Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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 HMX Twilight switches, both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice in material is significant, as nylon is known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because both switches share this characteristic, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. The softness of nylon contributes to its sound absorption capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound dampening in their typing experience.
Although both the Ice King Tactile and the HMX Twilight switches employ nylon throughout, any potential differences in their performance may stem from factors beyond the material itself, such as design specifics or switch internals. However, since the same material is used for both top and bottom housings in each switch, the sound profile will remain consistent across both models. Consequently, any user typing on the Ice King Tactile can expect sound characteristics that mirror those of the HMX Twilight, resulting in a predictable and satisfying feedback regardless of which switch they choose to engage with.
Furthermore, while the nylon construction offers similar benefits, the nuances of typing feel can still vary. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel when a key is pressed, whereas the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. In both cases, the soft nature of nylon will inherently dictate a smoother and quieter operation, with each switch supplying a distinctive tactile feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience. Thus, even in their similarities, the individual designs of the Ice King Tactile and HMX Twilight may cater to different preferences, making them both attractive options in the world of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile switch has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. This difference in force means that the Ice King offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger push when typing. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Twilight is the better option, while the Ice King will provide a heavier, more tactile response. Overall, the choice between these two switches depends largely on personal preference, with the Ice King catering to those who enjoy a firmer touch and the Twilight appealing to users who favor a lighter keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the two options demonstrate distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Twilight boasts a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Twilight switch offers a deeper key press, which can lend itself to a more satisfying tactile experience for those who enjoy feeling their keystrokes more distinctly. Conversely, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Ice King Tactile is more aligned with the preference for quicker response times, making it an attractive choice for gamers who prioritize speed. Overall, those seeking a rapid and more responsive typing experience might lean towards the Durock Ice King Tactile, whereas users looking for a fuller depth in their keystrokes would likely prefer the HMX Twilight.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
The sound profile of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by its subdued nature, providing a dampened auditory feedback that is more subtle compared to many other mechanical switches. This means that while typing, the sound produced remains relatively quiet and non-intrusive, suitable for environments where noise levels are a consideration. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, with its longer travel distance of 3.85mm, is designed to offer a slightly quieter experience while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics of HMX switches. Thus, while the Ice King leans towards a more muted and refined sound, the Twilight maintains a bit more expressiveness, yet both can provide a satisfying, if different, auditory environment, depending on the type of board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile distinguishes itself with an exceptional typing experience characterized by a silky, frictionless action. It seamlessly blends smoothness with a noticeable tactile bump, allowing for an elegant yet pronounced feedback that makes typing engaging. This switch is also described as polished, ensuring a refined feel that complements its other attributes. The stepped tactile feedback adds a layer of complexity, making each keypress nuanced and satisfying. On the other hand, no specific information about the feel of the HMX Twilight switch is available. However, given its linear nature, we can infer that it would generally provide a smooth and consistent typing experience, lacking the tactile bump that characterizes the Ice King.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Twilight linear switches each cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King offers a subdued auditory experience combined with a refined and engaging tactile sensation, while the Twilight provides a quieter yet expressive sound with its linear action. Although the Twilight's feel is less defined, it can be expected to deliver a smoother action typical of linear switches. Depending on personal preferences—whether one favors the tactile feedback and muted sound of the Ice King or the more linear experience of the Twilight—each switch will yield a unique typing encounter that can be tailored through the right combination of keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use cases. If you appreciate a tactile typing experience that combines a prominent tactile bump with a silky and frictionless feel, the Ice King Tactile is likely the better fit. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 68 grams provides a substantial resistance that many typists find satisfying and reassuring, making it perfect for extended typing sessions where feedback is crucial, such as in coding or writing tasks. Additionally, its subdued sound profile adds to a more focused workspace without being completely silent, which is appealing for those who enjoy an auditory element without distraction. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch in your keystrokes with a smoother, quieter experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch with its 50 grams of actuation force and extended travel distance may suit you better. This switch aligns well with faster-paced gaming or typing, allowing for rapid key presses without the tactile feedback that can slow you down. In essence, choose the Ice King Tactile for a refined, tactile experience ideal for productivity, while the HMX Twilight will cater to those who prioritize speed and a lighter feel in both gaming and general use.
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