Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its smooth and tactile typing experience, combining a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a satisfying feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. If you prefer a switch that is polished, subdued, and frictionless, the Ice King Tactile might be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a switch that is easy to press, stepped, and has a neutral sound, the WS Light Tactile could be the better choice. 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
50g
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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, while the Ice King Tactile has a nylon top housing for a similar effect, the WS Light Tactile boasts a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing material of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience, while the top housing material plays a key role in the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Durock Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing and top housing work together to create a cohesive typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile combines the softness of nylon in the bottom housing with the crispness of polycarbonate in the top housing, offering a unique blend of sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
While the Ice King Tactile and WS Light Tactile differ in their choice of top housing material, both switches leverage the benefits of nylon in the bottom housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The contrast between the duller and rounder sound of nylon and the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their sound preferences. Whether opting for the classic nylon feel of the Ice King Tactile or the clear and resonant sound of the WS Light Tactile, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch. The Ice King Tactile requires 58 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 68 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile only needs 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, resulting in a lighter typing experience. Some users may prefer the Ice King for a more substantial typing feel, while others may opt for the WS Light for a lighter touch, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the WS Light Tactile switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Ice King Tactile switch. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key 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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch boasts a silky and frictionless typing experience, providing exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as a stepped switch, offering a two-stage tactile feel for a more nuanced typing experience. The WS Light Tactile switch is also a stepped switch, providing a mild tactile feedback with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is further characterized as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in tactile typing. The Ice King Tactile excels in providing a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile experience, while the WS Light Tactile maintains smoothness with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump and features a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying tactile experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth and snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing feel you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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