Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct typing experiences suited to different preferences. The Durock Ice King Tactile is a prime example of a tactile switch that elevates the typing experience to an art form, combining creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying touch—perfect for those who enjoy a more deliberate feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force and a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances rapid-fire keyboard inputs and offers a remarkably smooth push. While the Ice King is favored by typists who appreciate feedback and precision, the Vintage Citrus appeals to gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and HMX Vintage Citrus both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, creating significant parallels in sound profile and tactile feedback. Nylon is recognized as a classic and versatile switch housing material, valued for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This attribute stems from nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches deliver a pleasantly duller and rounder auditory experience, making them suitable for users who favor a more subdued typing environment devoid of harsh or metallic sounds.
In addition to sound absorption, the similarities in housing materials extend to the overall tactile experience provided by both switches. Since both the Ice King Tactile and Vintage Citrus boast nylon top and bottom housings, the characteristics of the switch will remain consistent whether you are pressing down on the key or releasing it. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing shapes the sound as you lift your fingers off the keys. Given that both switches share identical housing materials, users can expect similar feedback and a cohesive typing feel—often described as smooth and controlled—regardless of which switch they choose.
While the housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and Vintage Citrus contribute to a comparable auditory and tactile experience, subtleties in switch design and other components may still affect performance. Unless there are differences in elements such as the springs or internal mechanisms, the overall output and feel will be strikingly similar across both models, offering a satisfying experience rooted in the fundamental advantages of nylon. The adoption of such a well-regarded material ensures that typing enthusiasts can enjoy both options without compromising on the quality or enjoyment derived from each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their weight preferences. The Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, reflecting a medium-heavy typing experience suited for those who favor a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch offers a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to users who prefer a medium-light touch that is conducive to prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This difference in force means that the Ice King Tactile will provide a more pronounced tactile response, while the Vintage Citrus will allow for quicker keystrokes with less effort. Consequently, typists or gamers looking for a heavier switch experience should lean towards the Ice King Tactile, whereas those who prioritize lighter, easier keystrokes may find the Vintage Citrus more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find that the Ice King Tactile sports a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Ice King Tactile a better choice for those who favor a more substantial feel with its deeper actuation, which can provide a heftier feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to users who prefer a snappier response, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming or tasks that require quick typing. Ultimately, opting for the Ice King Tactile will give you a longer travel experience, while the Vintage Citrus offers a more immediate tactile feedback due to its shorter travel distance.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 profiles of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches provide different auditory experiences to the typist. The Ice King Tactile is characterized by a subdued sound, resulting in a dampened yet pleasant auditory feedback when pressed. This subtlety allows for a quieter typing experience, making it a suitable choice for shared spaces or environments where noise levels matter. In contrast, while the Vintage Citrus switch has not had its sound profile defined, we do know it is marketed towards gamers and generally considered to produce a bright and clacky sound, catering to those who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback during fast-paced gaming sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile stands out with a carefully crafted tactile experience, offering silky smoothness and a frictionless action that allows for fluid key presses. The switch’s stepped design provides a distinct tactile bump without becoming overwhelming, making each keystroke both satisfying and intuitive. Additionally, the polished finish contributes to a refined typing sensation, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall comfort. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for quick actuation with a low force requirement, ideal for rapid input during gameplay. Although details on its tactile feel weren’t provided, the target audience suggests an emphasis on responsiveness and smoothness, likely leaning towards a very user-friendly, fast response without the tactile bump that typifies the Ice King.
In summary, while the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a unique, subdued yet richly tactile typing experience suitable for both typing and light gaming, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered for speed and bright auditory feedback, aligning with the needs of competitive gamers. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Ice King prioritizes a smooth tactile experience and subtle sound, while the Vintage Citrus focuses on rapid actuation and vibrant noise. Choosing between these two switches will largely depend on whether you value tactile richness and softer sound or a quick, responsive feel accompanied by pronounced audible feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should be guided primarily by your typing or gaming preferences. If you're an individual who values the tactile feedback and pleasure of typing, the Ice King Tactile is your go-to option. With its medium-heavy actuation force and silky, frictionless feel, this switch offers a pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for extensive writing or programming sessions. The subdued sound profile also makes it suitable for quieter environments where loud clicks can be distracting. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or a fast typist who prioritizes speed, the Vintage Citrus linear switch might be more aligned with your needs. With its lighter actuation force and extremely quick 1mm actuation, it is engineered for rapid inputs, while its bright, clacky sound adds an exciting flair to gameplay. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the tactile satisfaction of the Ice King Tactile or the smooth, speedy action of the Vintage Citrus.
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