Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds seamlessly. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is praised for its noise reduction capabilities, making it ideal for office environments while still delivering a crisp tactile feedback. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as silky and polished, the WS Silent Tactile is described as accented and muted. 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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will likely elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches are expected to produce a duller and rounder sound when typing, providing a satisfying typing experience.
However, if we look closer at the specific qualities of the top and bottom housings, differences may arise in the typing experience between the Ice King Tactile and the WS Silent Tactile. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing in each switch could influence the overall typing experience differently. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential in the sound produced when a key is released, suggesting that there may be subtle variations in the sound profile of each switch upon key release.
Overall, while both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile use nylon housing materials for both the top and bottom components, nuances in the design and construction of each switch may lead to slight variations in the typing experience. It is important to consider how the qualities of each housing material, in conjunction with other switch components, contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style may play a role in determining which switch is best suited for individual users.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switches reveals some differences between the two. The Ice King Tactile has a slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which is unknown. However, the Ice King Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 68 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ice King Tactile for longer typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Tactile for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile feel and typing experience from both switches. The travel distance of both switches being equal makes it a matter of personal preference rather than one being shorter or longer than the other.
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 Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed, making it a suitable option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate noise level that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. The WS Silent Tactile switch also boasts a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for office environments where noise reduction is key.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as offering a silky and frictionless typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a polished finish that enhances smoothness and reduces friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having an accented and invigorating feel, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches provide pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, ideal for those seeking a blend of comfort and feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch sets a new standard in silent switches by offering a quiet yet crisp typing experience without the need for silicone dampeners. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer high-quality performance that caters to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a unique and satisfying tactile typing experience, then the Durock Ice King Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with superior noise reduction for office environments, offering a silent yet crisp typing experience with a medium tactility, then the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a creamy smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump (Ice King Tactile) or a quiet and precise typing experience with reduced noise levels (WS Silent Tactile). Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment when making your selection between these two impressive tactile switches.
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