Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Tactile switch is celebrated for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing for soft acoustics and a POM stem for crisp, higher-pitched resonance, embodying a balance of sophistication and performance. While the Ice King Tactile provides a silky, subdued feel, the Xinhai offers a bouncy, clacky sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback versus a smoother linear 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
37g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, while the Xinhai uses a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches incorporating RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the functionality of the switch.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a consistent sound experience with both top and bottom housings made of nylon, resulting in a deep and full sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai splits the qualities of housing materials between its top and bottom, with polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing. This split design allows for a more nuanced sound experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer quality sound profiles tailored to different preferences and uses.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Ice King Tactile's consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings provides a deep and full sound, whereas the Xinhai's split design offers a more varied sound profile depending on the direction of keypress. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound characteristics, with nylon and polycarbonate each bringing their unique qualities to the typing experience. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound from nylon or a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate, both switches offer high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Xinhai. The Ice King requires 58 grams of force to actuate and 68 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai only needs 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, resulting in a lighter feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Xinhai would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Ice King offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Ice King Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. For those who prefer a bit more depth when typing or gaming, the Ice King Tactile may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Xinhai with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature overall. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound, delivering a crisp and percussive noise with each keystroke. The choice between the two will depend on your preference for a quieter typing experience with the Ice King Tactile or a more distinctive and lively sound with the Xinhai.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort, with the Ice King Tactile focusing on smoothness and refinement while the Xinhai focuses on a lively and creamy feel.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, making it a top choice for those craving a unique and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch stands out for its softer acoustics profile, distinctively crisp resonance, and lively rebound sensation, catering to individuals looking for a blend of sophistication and precise performance. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel, both switches offer their own distinct qualities that can elevate your typing experience to new heights.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a symphony of touch and a uniquely satisfying tactile bump, then the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai may be more suited to your liking. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel when making your decision, as both switches offer their own unique characteristics for a delightful typing experience.
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