Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Red offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its seamless blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience with a symphony of touch. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out for its bouncy and responsive feel, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring, offering a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke. While the Ice King Tactile is known for its silky and polished feel, the WS Red provides a classic sound signature and substantial typing feel. 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
67g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
While both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, the Ice King Tactile and WS Red may differ in other aspects of their construction. The qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction in the influence of the housing materials on different aspects of the typing experience could lead to subtle differences in the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Despite any potential differences in construction beyond their housing materials, the similarities in utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings of the Ice King Tactile and WS Red suggest that users can expect consistent sound profiles and typing experiences from both switches. The use of nylon, known for its sound-absorbing properties and ability to create a deeper, fuller sound, reinforces the idea that these switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on acoustics. Whether choosing the Ice King Tactile or the WS Red, users can anticipate a similar sound profile and typing feel attributed to the shared use of nylon in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Red switch, the actuation force of the Ice King Tactile is 58 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Red is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which makes them similar in that aspect. The Ice King Tactile is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the WS Red provides a slightly heavier actuation force, giving users a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category when it comes to bottom out force, catering to those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red switch, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the WS Red has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference may seem subtle, but it can have a noticeable impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Shorter travel distances are favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances provide a more pronounced keypress feel. Both switches offer a unique tactile or linear typing experience, depending on your preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Red 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
When it comes to the sound produced by the Ice King Tactile, it offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the WS Red are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished characteristics. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish. On the other hand, details regarding the tactile feel of the WS Red are unspecified, leaving room for interpretation based on similar linear switches.
Considering the available information, the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a creamy smooth tactile bump, while the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force. The Ice King Tactile emphasizes a satisfying tactile experience, while the WS Red focuses on delivering a substantial typing feel. As an expert in mechanical keyboard switches, I would predict that using the Ice King Tactile would result in a nuanced tactile typing experience, while opting for the WS Red may yield a lively and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, actuation force, and overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a unique tactile experience with a pronounced bump and smoothness, the Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force, then the WS Red would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer top-notch quality and will enhance your typing experience, so it comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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