Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its smooth and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that blends smoothness and tactility seamlessly. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is praised for its medium tactility and light touch, appealing to those who prefer a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', and 'Polished', the Violet Gold Pro is characterized as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. Both switches offer their own strengths, but diving deeper into their specific qualities is essential in choosing the best switch for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we can see that the Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. However, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, ultimately leading to a similar dull and round sound profile during typing.
Although the Ice King Tactile and the Violet Gold Pro share the same nylon bottom housing material, their differences lie in the top housing material. While the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Violet Gold Pro. Despite these variations, both switches still maintain the softer and absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can significantly influence the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released, with polycarbonate producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase the importance of material selection in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile switch is heavier than the Violet Gold Pro. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Ice King Tactile would be considered the shorter option between the two, while the Violet Gold Pro is the longer option. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a more immediate feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide an excellent tactile experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance and feedback.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued experience, providing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, making it an appealing option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. While not completely silent, it strikes a balance between being too loud or too quiet, catering to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky and frictionless typing experience, making it exceptionally smooth and effortless to use. With a polished finish, this switch minimizes resistance and offers a sleek typing feel. Additionally, it features a stepped design, providing a mild tactile bump that allows users to feel pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch also boasts a stepped design, offering a two-stage tactile feel similar to the Ice King Tactile. While other specific descriptors are not provided, this design choice suggests a balance between a pronounced tactile bump and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a silky and frictionless typing experience with a polished finish, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a quieter sound and a smoother typing feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you seek a balanced tactile experience with a moderate sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro could be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality tactile typing experiences that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a highly tactile typing experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with medium tactility and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for various typing environments, then the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so take into account what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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