Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Box Black are both popular options to consider. The Ice King Linear is best known for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature that resembles a spray paint can being shaken. While the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. 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
52g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it is clear that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, resulting in a more pointed, high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound profile that is often described as clacky. Despite the differences in sound characteristics, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the materials used in their housings.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Ice King Linear and the Ink Box Black benefit from the qualities of their respective materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Ice King Linear contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black enhances the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the switch, resulting in a satisfying clacky sound. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, and the materials used in this component shape the sound and feel of each keystroke.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Ink Box Black have distinct sound characteristics, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience is evident. The difference in sound profiles between the deeper and fuller sound of the Ice King Linear's nylon housing and the pointed and high-pitched sound of the Ink Box Black's INK blend housing offers users a choice in the type of typing experience they prefer. Both switches deliver unique sound profiles based on the materials used in their housings, providing enthusiasts with options to tailor their keyboard setup to their personal preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. The Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes the Ice King lighter in comparison to the Ink Box Black. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ice King may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Box Black provide a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Gateron Ink Box Black switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gateron Ink Box Black may provide a more satisfying feel. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Ice King Linear being slightly shorter than the Ink Box Black.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear 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 Linear for $4.20.
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound when compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black switch, which is described as clacky and high-pitched. The Ice King Linear provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience, akin to a gentle murmur, while the Ink Box Black offers a sharper and more percussive sound resembling the clack of plastic on plastic. Both switches' sound profiles can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
Moving on to feel, both the Ice King Linear and the Ink Box Black switches are synonymous with terms like silky and polished, emphasizing a smooth and refined typing experience. The Ice King Linear switch is noted for its silky and frictionless feel, as well as a creamy and polished sensation that enhances typing comfort. Similarly, the Ink Box Black switch boasts a silky and polished texture that minimizes resistance and promotes fluid key travel. Users of these switches can expect a luxurious typing experience that prioritizes smoothness and ease of use.
In summary, while the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron Ink Box Black switches differ slightly in sound characteristics, both deliver a premium typing experience characterized by smoothness and refinement. Whether opting for the subdued sound of the Ice King Linear or the clacky nature of the Ink Box Black, users can anticipate a satisfying tactile feel and minimal resistance when engaging with either switch. Ultimately, choosing between these two excellent options will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with both switches offering similarly high-quality results in terms of typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a slightly more clacky high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch may be more to your liking. Consider your preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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