Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices the stark differences in their respective characteristics. The Ice King Tactile boasts a unique blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience unlike any other. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° by Gateron is praised for its revolutionary self-padding design and dual-rail structure, delivering unparalleled smoothness and stability for silent typing. While the Ice King Tactile is known for its tactile feedback, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on providing a noise-absorbing, quiet typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in material choice results in a significant variation in sound characteristics between the two switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ice King Tactile and the Zero Degree 0° feature nylon bottom housings. This choice of material for the bottom housing allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect observed with the nylon top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the overall sound experience may still differ due to the contrasting top housing materials used in each switch.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials, whether nylon or polycarbonate, are distributed differently in the switches. The bottom housing plays a bigger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that even though both switches may share similar bottom housing materials, the variations in their respective top housing materials will ultimately impact the overall typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile also requires more force at 68 grams, whereas the Zero Degree 0° does not provide information on bottom out force. This makes the Ice King Tactile switch heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Zero Degree 0° switch would be more suitable. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Ice King Tactile switch would be the better choice. It is clear that the weight of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience and preference of users.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6mm. Although the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, the Ice King Tactile has the shorter travel distance, offering a slightly faster response time. Gamers may prefer the Ice King Tactile for this reason, as shorter travel distances are often favored for quicker reactions. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch provides a slightly deeper key press due to its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
The Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound profile, resulting in a dampened sound when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it is likely to provide a silent typing experience due to its design features. When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished qualities, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the feel of the Zero Degree 0° switch is unknown, but it is expected to provide a smooth and stable typing feel with its innovative self-padding design.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience with its pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, while the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on delivering smoothness, stability, and noise reduction. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound levels, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the Ice King Tactile and the Zero Degree 0° switches will depend on whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile bump and subdued sound or smoothness, stability, and noise reduction in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches, you should choose the Ice King Tactile if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a satisfying tactile bump and smooth typing experience. The Ice King Tactile excels in offering a unique tactile typing experience that blends smoothness with a pronounced bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a focus on silent typing, smoothness, and stability, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.
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