Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options for a tactile typing experience. The Ice King Tactile promises a smooth and pronounced tactile bump that elevates typing to an art form, offering a unique blend of smoothness and tactility. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a hefty 70g bump with immersive resistance and a satisfying "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and captivating. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The rounder and duller sound produced by nylon creates a unique typing experience for users of both switches.
Despite both switches using nylon for their housing materials, there might be slight variations in the sound and feel of typing on each switch due to differences in design and construction. The qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of a switch are typically divided, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This means that even with the same housing material, there may still be nuances in the typing experience offered by the Ice King Tactile and the WS Heavy Tactile.
Overall, while the housing materials of both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are similar in utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the slight variations in design and construction may lead to subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches. However, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of a deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon that create a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 68 grams for the Ice King Tactile and 70 grams for the WS Heavy Tactile, making them both medium-heavy in terms of typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile for a less strenuous typing experience, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of whether you prefer a slightly longer or shorter travel distance for your typing or gaming 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 Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. The resonant nature of the WS Heavy Tactile switch contributes to a clean and sharp sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience for the user. Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch focuses on a smoother and more subdued sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a more engaging and lively auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a highly smooth key travel. The polished finish of the switch further enhances the sleek typing experience, providing reduced friction and a refined feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These qualities combine to offer pronounced feedback, snappy and reactive typing sensation, and a lively rebound when keys are pressed. The WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more dynamic and tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a more responsive and engaging typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct tactile experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. While the Ice King Tactile switch focuses on a smoother and more subdued sound and feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more engaging and lively auditory and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump of the Ice King Tactile, or the immersive resistance and captivating "thocky" sound of the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. If you value a creamy smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a profound tactile experience with an immersive resistance and a "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. The Ice King Tactile offers a subdued sound and a silky typing feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a clacky sound and an invigorating, sharp typing sensation. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences for a truly satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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