Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two exceptional tactile options. The Ice King Tactile offers a unique blend of creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with remarkable finesse. On the other hand, the White Lotus boasts a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for extended typing sessions, while also featuring vibrant RGB lighting effects for added customization. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics and benefits, making them ideal for different preferences and usage scenarios. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and Durock White Lotus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a premium and unique feel. While both switches offer a different sound profile, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and White Lotus use nylon, which again results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound, making it a popular choice for switch housing material. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches maintain a similar typing feel and sound profile, despite any differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock White Lotus will come down to personal preference based on the unique qualities each housing material brings to the switches. The Ice King Tactile offers a softer, more absorbing nylon top housing, while the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing for a premium feel. However, both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper sound profile or a more premium feel, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ice King Tactile, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may find the White Lotus more suitable. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel when typing or gaming, while the White Lotus's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial, traditional key press experience. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile potentially providing a faster response time, and the longer travel distance of the White Lotus offering a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing or gaming 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 typist experience, emitting a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, providing a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing settings. Ultimately, while the Ice King Tactile switch focuses on a more subdued sound profile, the White Lotus switch provides a balanced and versatile sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch boasts a silky and frictionless typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance during key presses. Additionally, the stepped and polished characteristics of this switch contribute to a refined and sleek typing feel. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle nature of this switch ensures a gentle resistance and a low-impact typing feel, suitable for shared spaces.
When considering all the available information, the Durock Ice King Tactile and White Lotus switches offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the White Lotus switch focuses on easy-to-press keys and a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics, as both switches offer their own unique advantages for typing enthusiasts. Regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high-quality tactile typing experience from either the Durock Ice King Tactile or White Lotus switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock White Lotus switches, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile experience with creamy smoothness and a pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a gentle tactile typing experience with the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switches could be more suitable. The Ice King Tactile offers a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless feel, while the White Lotus has a low-pitched sound and easy-to-press, mild feel. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
