Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, a clear distinction can be seen between their respective tactile and linear characteristics. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience that merges the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists seeking speediness and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their distinct sound characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ice King Tactile and the Yellow Silver utilize nylon in this component. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly between the two switches due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight. Overall, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile that enhances the typing experience for users.
In the case where the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. This distinction allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with different aspects of the switch contributing to the overall sound profile. Whether using the Ice King Tactile with its nylon top and bottom housing, or the Outemu Yellow Silver with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, users can expect a unique and satisfying tactile typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is heavier with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Yellow Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. The Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier force, while the Yellow Silver offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide different levels of resistance for typing, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Yellow Silver switch with 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 Yellow Silver switch could provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile being on the shorter end and the Yellow Silver being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle and refined auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, which is moderate in terms of both actuation force requirement and sound level. The choice of board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound of the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance. Additionally, it has a stepped design, providing a unique tactile sensation with two distinct stages during the keystroke. The polished finish of the Ice King Tactile switch further enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not provided, but based on the characteristics mentioned, it is likely to offer a straightforward and smooth linear typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a luxurious and tactile typing experience with its smooth, stepped, and polished design, as well as its subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a lighter actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering to those who prefer a swift and responsive typing experience. While both switches may differ in certain aspects, such as sound and feel, the quality of the typing experience is likely to be satisfying with either option depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, consider the type of tactile experience and force preference you are looking for in a switch. If you prioritize a pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force for a unique and satisfying typing experience, the Ice King Tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile for a speedy and responsive typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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