Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is lauded for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. In contrast, the WS Brown switches boast a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. While the Ice King Tactile offers a symphony of touch with its smooth and frictionless feel, the WS Brown switches provide a familiar auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both feature nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches enhances the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound and feel while typing.
One key difference between the Ice King Tactile and the WS Brown is the design and aesthetic appeal of their housing materials. While both switches use nylon for their housing, the Ice King Tactile may have a unique design or color that sets it apart from the WS Brown. This difference in design can influence the overall look and feel of the switches, providing users with options to choose a switch that matches their preferences and style.
Despite any potential differences in design, the use of nylon housing in both the Ice King Tactile and the WS Brown ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, creating a pleasant typing sound that is deep and satisfying. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon contributes to a smoother keystroke feel, making typing on these switches a comfortable and enjoyable experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams compared to the WS Brown, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the WS Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams to bottom out. This means that the Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the WS Brown offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a softer feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing pressure and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Ice King Tactile switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, so both are suitable for those looking for a more responsive typing experience.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, adding a touch of elegance to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch's sound qualities are not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Both switches may produce a pleasant typing sound, but the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its unique and subdued auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, creating an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the WS Brown switch is not specified, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in terms of tactile feel. However, based on the information provided, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a luxurious and refined typing feel that enthusiasts appreciate.
In conclusion, the Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its distinctive tactile typing experience with a unique sound and smooth feel. While the WS Brown switch offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort, its specific sound and tactile qualities remain undefined in comparison to the detailed descriptions of the Ice King Tactile switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference, but both switches are likely to provide satisfying typing experiences for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you desire a medium-heavy tactile switch with a unique and satisfying tactile bump, as well as a creamy smoothness, then the Ice King Tactile may be more suited to your preferences. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light tactile switch that offers a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, with a familiar and delightful auditory experience, then the WS Brown switches may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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