Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4 are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that cater to tactile typists. The Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 boasts a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, coupled with a plush bottom-out sensation for a unique typing feel. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the U4 is categorized as 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', and 'Sharp'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4 both feature top housing materials that are designed to enhance sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to create a similar effect, the specific blend used in the U4 may offer a slightly different sound experience compared to the nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4 each have their own unique qualities. The Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, much like its top housing. Conversely, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite the different materials used for the bottom housing, both switches aim to provide a unique sound experience that is enhanced by the specific properties of the materials.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4 ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile. While both switches utilize top and bottom housing materials that enhance sound quality, the specific blend of materials in the U4 may offer a slightly different sound experience compared to the nylon housing of the Ice King Tactile. Whether you prefer the softer, fuller sound of the Ice King Tactile or the rich, deep sound of the Gazzew U4, both switches are designed to provide a unique typing experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the U4's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams, while the U4 only needs 62 grams. This means that while the Ice King Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, the U4 provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall in the medium range of force, making them suitable for a variety of preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel while typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. While the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance, the difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ice King Tactile or the Gazzew U4 will depend on personal preference for the feel of the key press - with the Ice King Tactile offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer more responsiveness, and the Gazzew U4 providing a slightly longer travel distance for those who enjoy a more substantial key press.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 Ice King Tactile offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle and refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4 produces a muted and low-pitched sound, creating a softer and quieter typing sound overall. Both switches excel in minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them suitable for quiet environments. However, the U4 may have a slightly more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Ice King Tactile.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with a mild and refined tactile bump. On the contrary, the U4 is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp bump with each keypress. While the Ice King Tactile focuses on smoothness and finesse, the U4 emphasizes high feedback intensity and distinct tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4 tactile switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile typing experience, each with its own unique qualities. The Ice King Tactile offers a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a symphony of touch, while the U4 provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience that meets the preferences of the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force with a creamy smooth tactile bump that merges smoothness with a pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, then the U4 may be more suited to your typing style. Additionally, if you prefer a subdued sound profile and silky, frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a muted, low-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump, the U4 could be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences.
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