Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially when considering the striking differences between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its exquisitely refined tactile feedback, offering a smooth and creamy typing experience punctuated by a pronounced tactile bump. This unique feature makes it ideal for typists who appreciate a blend of tactile responsiveness and fluidity, elevating their typing to a new level of satisfaction. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a different approach with its linear architecture, characterized by a heavier actuation force and a refined acoustic profile, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. This switch is perfect for those who favor uninterrupted key presses and a more subdued sound signature, allowing for a smoother, quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct user preferences, with the Ice King Tactile emphasizing tactile feedback and the Xinhai (Heavy) focusing on linear smoothness and tonal sophistication. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
58g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When examining the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to a unified auditory experience. The nylon construction provides a rich, deep sound profile characterized by a fuller auditory output. This consistency in material implies that both switches will elicit similar responses in terms of sound and feel when typing. As nylon is a softer plastic, it inherently absorbs more sound than harder materials, creating a more pleasant tactile experience that many enthusiasts appreciate regardless of the specific design or actuation characteristics of each switch.
The benefits derived from the use of nylon in both switches extend beyond mere sound profiles. The interplay of the top and bottom housings of each switch—both made from nylon—ensures that there is a cohesive sound experience throughout the keystroke. Both the Ice King Tactile and the Xinhai (Heavy) will produce a duller and rounder sound during use, contributing to a feeling of warmth associated with typing. Furthermore, since both switches share identical housing materials, users can expect similar performance metrics—in particular, the bottom-out noise and feedback when pressing the keys, as both have the same material properties that directly influence these sensations.
While the Ice King Tactile and Xinhai (Heavy) promise a comparable typing experience due to uniform housing material, other factors such as the switch design, actuation force, and tactile feedback can still diverge significantly between the two models. However, the core aspect of their nylon construction creates a foundation for similar sound profiles and typing sensations. Consequently, users can enjoy the benefits of nylon's acoustic properties while also exploring the unique differences that each switch has to offer in terms of feel and operational characteristics. This melding of similarities and distinctions highlights the nuanced landscape of mechanical switches, giving enthusiasts plenty to savor with both options.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly affects user experience. The Ice King Tactile has a slightly higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the 55 grams of the Xinhai. This makes the Ice King feel somewhat heavier to press, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ice King is 68 grams, while the Xinhai's is 62.5 grams, reinforcing the Ice King's heavier overall feel. As a result, the Durock Ice King Tactile is the heavier option, while the HMX Xinhai is the lighter of the two. For users who prioritize a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Xinhai would be a more suitable choice, whereas those who enjoy a firmer push may find the Ice King more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Ice King Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Ice King Tactile switch provides a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback and prefer the sensation of pressing deeper into the switch. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its 3.4 mm distance, caters to those who prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation, making it an excellent choice for gamers and fast typists. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that feels slightly deeper and gives a more substantial response, the Ice King Tactile would be the way to go, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is ideal for a quicker and snappier feel.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 presents a subdued auditory profile, emitting a dampened sound that feels light and unobtrusive during use. While it does not completely eliminate noise, it certainly offers a more nuanced and muted sound signature compared to many other switches on the market. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch's sound characteristics remain uncertain, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard case, plate material, and keycap choices.
Regarding feel, the Ice King Tactile excels with a rich combination of tactile attributes. Users can expect a silky smooth experience, significantly reducing resistance during key presses and providing a frictionless action that allows for fluid typing. The tactile bump is decidedly pronounced yet feels stepped rather than overwhelming, giving typists a sense of both control and feedback. It also boasts a polished finish that enhances the smoothness further. On the other hand, specific tactile qualities of the Xinhai (Heavy) remain unlisted, but its reputation suggests a confident and performance-focused switch that likely caters to users seeking a linear switch's signature smoothness.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a superb tactile experience characterized by its subdued sound and silky feel, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a refined typing experience with noticeable feedback. While details about the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remain sparse, its heavier variant and unique construction suggest a solid option for those who prefer linear switches. Both switches promise an engaging typing experience, but the Ice King Tactile comes with the advantage of clear tactile and sound characteristics, ultimately catering to those who appreciate a balance of subtlety and performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch should hinge on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience that elevates typing into a sensory delight, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 68 grams, combined with a silky, frictionless action and a subdued sound profile, makes it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump but do not want the harshness often associated with more aggressive switches. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch might be your go-to. With its lower bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Xinhai provides a lighter yet still substantial feel with a crisp acoustic profile, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming where speed and fluidity are paramount. Ultimately, keeping these nuances in mind will help you select the switch that best fits your needs for both work and play.
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