Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stand out for their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, which together create a sophisticated tactile sensation that is both subdued and polished—a perfect choice for those who appreciate a refined touch while typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a deep "thock" sound coupled with a sharp tactile bump, delivering not only a luxurious feel but also an enhanced auditory experience that complements a quieter office environment. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, with the Ice King Tactile appealing to those who prioritize feeling and subtlety, while the U4Tx RGB caters to users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing preferences.
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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, notable similarities emerge despite their differing descriptions. Both switches feature top housings made from softer materials, with the Ice King Tactile using traditional nylon and the U4Tx RGB utilizing a proprietary blend often known as "boba plastic." This softness in both materials positively influences the acoustic properties of each switch, leading to a fuller and richer sound profile during keypresses. The use of softer plastic effectively absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience, which is beneficial for users seeking a quieter typing setting.
In regard to the bottom housing, the comparisons continue to highlight an emphasis on acoustic performance. The Ice King’s nylon bottom housing shares functional characteristics with the U4Tx RGB’s Gazzew blend bottom housing. Both materials contribute to the switches' ability to create a deep and lush sound output. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound when pressed, both switches promise a tactile experience enriched by their respective housing materials. This emphasis on sound absorption and a softer landing enhances the overall user experience, providing a satisfying keypress feedback.
While the materials are not the same, the similarities in their properties serve to create comparable auditory results. In both switches, the housing materials prioritize a desire for a sound that feels deeper and fuller, allowing users to achieve a pleasing typing experience. Consequently, whether using the Durock Ice King Tactile or the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, typists can expect to enjoy a rich sound profile reminiscent of premium switch designs. The unique qualities of each blend individually contribute to their overall design philosophy but ultimately lead to comparable results when pressure is applied, ensuring that users can attain distinctive yet similarly satisfying experiences while typing.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present some interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has a definitive actuation force of 58 grams, complemented by a bottom out force of 68 grams. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB does not specify an actuation force; however, its bottom out force is slightly lower at 65 grams. This results in the Ice King Tactile being the heavier of the two switches, offering a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for an enhanced tactile feel. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB may be perceived as marginally lighter in action due to the unknown actuation force, potentially making it easier for prolonged typing sessions. Overall, while both switches feature medium-heavy characteristics, the Durock Ice King Tactile provides a clearer force profile, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB remains somewhat ambiguous.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a notable difference emerges: the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a key switch with a bit more depth and a traditional feel, the U4Tx RGB may be the preferable choice due to its longer travel distance. Conversely, if you prioritize quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback, the Ice King Tactile's shorter travel distance might better suit your gaming needs. While both switches cater to different preferences—one offering a slightly deeper experience and the other focused on responsiveness—they ultimately present distinct options for users based on their tactile preferences.
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 U4Tx RGB 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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by a subdued auditory profile, which offers a dampened sound when pressed. This quality allows for a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise might be a concern. While the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is not explicitly detailed in terms of sound, it is known for producing a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quieter sound upon topping out. This suggests that while the U4Tx RGB may offer a richer auditory experience during key presses, both switches will contribute to a relatively discreet sound profile, particularly in comparison to other keyboard switches.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Ice King Tactile shines with its combination of silky smoothness and frictionless action, providing a typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances fluid key travel. Additionally, the stepped tactile nature of the switch leads to a pronounced tactile bump that can be felt distinctly during typing. The U4Tx RGB switch, although its specific tactile feel is not outlined, is known for a sharp tactile bump which is typically associated with a responsive typing experience. Given the Ice King's tactile qualities, it’s likely that typists will enjoy both switches for their tactile feedback, with the Ice King's polished finish enhancing its overall smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches bring unique qualities to the table regarding sound and feel. The Ice King offers a subdued sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience with clear tactile feedback, while the U4Tx RGB is distinguished by a deeper sound profile and sharp tactile response. For newcomers looking for a satisfying switch experience, either option provides a compelling choice, particularly if one values a quieter operation or seeks a pronounced tactile sensation in their typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you value a luxurious tactile feel combined with a silky and frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be your best choice. Its pronounced tactile bump creates a satisfying feedback loop during typing and offers a subdued sound profile that is perfect for quieter environments or when you want to keep your keystrokes discreet. On the other hand, if you are looking for a refined typing sensation with a deep "thock" sound during bottoming out, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are worth considering. These switches provide a sharp tactile bump, making them ideal for users who appreciate both sound and tactile feedback while maintaining a level of stealthiness. Ultimately, make your decision based on what type of feedback—both auditory and tactile—you find most enjoyable during your typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
