Bsun Pine vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a tactile typing experience, the BSUN Pine and Durock Ice King Tactile switches stand out as excellent options. The BSUN Pine switches are renowned for their sharp tactile bump and swift bottom-out, providing users with direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactiles excel in blending smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that seamlessly combines the best of both worlds. While the Pine switch is characterized by being accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, subdued, stepped, and polished. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences in tactile typing; 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
45g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Durock Ice King Tactile lies in the materials used for the top housing. While the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the Ice King Tactile opts for a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine is specifically designed to enhance the RGB lighting effects, thanks to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials for both switches are nylon, offering a similar deep and full sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller sound that is perceived as more satisfying and pleasant to the ears. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both the Bsun Pine and the Durock Ice King Tactile provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of functionality, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the Durock Ice King Tactile result in unique sound profiles for each switch. The split qualities between top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with the Bsun Pine delivering a crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, and the Durock Ice King Tactile providing a fuller sound thanks to its nylon top housing.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile's 58 grams, making the Pine easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 68 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required for actuation and bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bsun Pine may be the better option, while the Durock Ice King Tactile would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Pine offers a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, while the Ice King Tactile provides a bit more depth in keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the feel and responsiveness desired in a keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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.
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 BSUN Pine switches offer a sharp and distinct sound profile, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switches provide a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can be further influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switches are known for their accentuated and invigorating tactile feedback, with a sharp and snappy response that creates an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer a silky and frictionless typing experience, with a stepped and polished feel that enhances smoothness and reduces resistance during key presses. Each switch provides a distinct tactile feel that caters to different typing preferences, whether you prefer a sharper, more pronounced feedback or a smoother, more refined keystroke.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer unique and specialized typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Pine switches provide a sharp and direct tactile bump with a fast bottom-out, the Ice King Tactile switches blend smoothness with a pronounced bump for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality tactile responses that will enhance your typing experience, providing a range of options to suit your individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and direct tactile bump with quick bottom-out, the Pine switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, take into account the sound profile and feel of each switch to ensure they align with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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