Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4T mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique and desirable characteristics for users to consider. The Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience with a symphony of touch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts boast a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing users with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the Gazzew U4T falls under 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4T both prioritize creating a deep and rich sound profile for typing. The Ice King Tactile uses a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound to create a duller and rounder sound, while the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for its softness and ability to deliver a rich sound profile. Both housing materials aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a fuller sound when keys are pressed.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches continue to focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile for users. The Ice King Tactile uses a nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs sound to contribute to a deeper sound profile. Similarly, the Gazzew U4T incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both bottom housing materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a more satisfying sound when keys are pressed.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4T utilize different housing materials for their switches, both switches aim to deliver a similar typing experience characterized by a deep and rich sound profile. The use of softer plastics in both the top and bottom housings contributes to absorbing sound and creating a fuller typing experience for users. Whether typing on the Ice King Tactile with its nylon housing or the U4T with its Gazzew blend housing, users can expect a satisfying sound profile that enhances their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is the lighter option with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, while the U4T has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 65 grams, both falling in the medium-heavy category. The difference in actuation force indicates that the Ice King Tactile may provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the U4T. However, both switches offer a substantial typing feel with their medium-heavy bottom out forces, catering to those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force when selecting a tactile switch for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the U4T switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key press sensation.
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 U4T 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
In terms of sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the U4T switch produces a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses with a satisfying thud or knock-like sound. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound of the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch provides a silky and frictionless typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, this switch is described as stepped and polished, meaning it has a more mild tactile bump with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel stages, and a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing. On the other hand, the U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominently felt with each keypress.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4T switches, it is evident that they offer contrasting experiences. While the Ice King Tactile provides a smooth and nuanced tactile typing experience with a subdued sound, the Gazzew U4T offers a sharper tactile feedback with a bassy and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for either a more subtle and smooth typing experience or a more intense and satisfying tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you value a smooth and polished typing experience with a subtle tactile bump and subdued sound, the Ice King Tactile may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp and thocky tactile feedback with a bassy sound profile, the U4T switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
