Durock Ice King Linear vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Orange mechanical keyboard switches, a key difference lies in their respective typing experiences. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth feel with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it ideal for those seeking a frictionless and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switches provide a clacky and vibrant typing experience, with a lightweight feel that delivers crisp and audible feedback with each keystroke. While the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky' and 'Creamy', the Jerrzi Orange is categorized as 'Feathery' and 'Clacky'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Orange, one can see a stark difference in the materials used. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ice King Linear and the Orange feature nylon bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the experience when typing on switches with nylon housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps create a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing the importance of housing materials not only on the sound profile but also on the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in the top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent sound experience for users.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Orange highlight the importance of material choice in creating unique sound profiles for switches. While the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a softer and deeper sound, the Orange's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housings, providing users with a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams while the Orange's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Ice King offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force compared to the Orange switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Orange switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches have their own advantages based on the weight preference of the user, with the Ice King being heavier and the Orange being lighter in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Jerrzi Orange has a slightly longer travel distance than the Ice King Linear. When comparing the two, the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Jerrzi Orange may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but both can yield similar results depending on the user's preferences.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Jerrzi Orange switches are described as having a subdued sound profile, meaning they produce a dampened sound when pressed. This results in a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, the Orange switch also adds a clacky element, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch is noted for being feathery and easy-to-press, requiring little exertion and offering gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and making typing effortless and comfortable.
Considering the available information, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Jerrzi Orange linear switches offer unique but appealing qualities for different preferences. If you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Ice King Linear switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lively and clacky typing feedback with light actuation force, the Jerrzi Orange switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the decision would come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Orange linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear with its nylon construction and factory lube is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and clacky typing experience without a specific bottom out force, the Jerrzi Orange switches offer a lively and responsive feel. Consider whether you prioritize a silky feel with subdued sound, or a feathery feel with a mix of subdued and clacky sound, to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on what type of typing experience you are seeking.
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