Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion stand out for their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a crisp, responsive touch and a neutral sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile appeals to those looking for a tactile switch that merges smoothness and tactility seamlessly, the WS Onion is ideal for users seeking a linear switch with a smooth feel and satisfying responsiveness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, we can see that the Ice King Tactile boasts a nylon top housing while the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic material, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials of the Ice King Tactile and the WS Onion, we see that they both utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deep and full sound profile, as the softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing may not play as significant a role in the overall sound profile as the top housing does, the use of nylon in both switches ensures a level of consistency in the typing experience, with a focus on depth and fullness in sound.
In instances where the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, such as in the case of the Ice King Tactile and the WS Onion, each housing material contributes unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite these differences, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar level of sound absorption and a deep, full sound profile, providing a consistent typing experience across different switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is the lighter option with an actuation force of 58 grams compared to the WS Onion's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King Tactile at 68 grams and the WS Onion at 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Ice King Tactile may make it more desirable for extended typing sessions, while the WS Onion's slightly heavier bottom out force could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, with the choice between them ultimately coming down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the WS Onion switch may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, but either one will provide a unique feel and response when typing or gaming.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. The sound produced by both switches is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The WS Onion switch, on the other hand, is characterized as buttery and polished, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches are designed to offer a refined and smooth typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile having a pronounced tactile bump for added tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, resulting in a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a crisp and responsive touch. Both switches prioritize smoothness and refinement in their design, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a buttery smooth keystroke, both the Ice King Tactile and the WS Onion switches deliver exceptional quality and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the Wuque Studio WS Onion, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and a symphony of touch, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience, the WS Onion may be more your style. Additionally, if you prefer a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and needs carefully when making your decision between these two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches.
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