Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Jupiter Red both offer a smooth typing experience with a linear design. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky and frictionless feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red provides a consistent keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds. While both switches boast creamy and polished characteristics, the Ice King Linear leans towards a more subdued feel compared to the mild and neutral qualities of the Jupiter Red. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Jupiter Red, the biggest contrast lies in the material used for the top housing. The Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material not only affects the sound produced by the switches but also impacts their aesthetic appeal, with the translucent nature of polycarbonate being especially useful for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ice King Linear and Jupiter Red switches employ nylon material, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the overall typing experience in terms of sound profile is likely to be quite comparable between the two switches. However, the differences in top housing material may still provide unique characteristics to each switch when it comes to key press and release sounds.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feel of mechanical keyboards. While the Ice King Linear and Gateron Jupiter Red switches share similarities in their bottom housing material, their contrasting top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic design.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red switch's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King at 62 grams and the Jupiter Red at 60 grams. This means that while the Ice King may require a bit more force to initially actuate, both switches will have a similar resistance when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Jupiter Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Ice King for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and the typing feel desired.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Jupiter Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. The Ice King's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of key press function.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch provides a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and consistent typing experience, with the Ice King leaning towards a quieter operation compared to the Jupiter Red.
When it comes to feel, both the Ice King Linear and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer a silky and polished typing experience. They are designed to minimize resistance and offer a fluid key travel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Additionally, the creamy sensation provided by both switches adds to the effortless typing experience, making each keystroke feel like a glide across the keys. The mild characteristic of the Jupiter Red also ensures a gentle typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches aim to provide a seamless and consistent typing experience. While the Ice King may offer a slightly quieter sound profile, both switches excel in providing a silky, polished, and creamy typing feel with minimal resistance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback, but rest assured that you will achieve a similar smooth and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with full nylon construction and generous factory lube, the Ice King Linear may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects for a seamless and consistent typing experience, the Jupiter Red might be the better choice. Additionally, if you lean towards a subdued sound and a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Ice King Linear would suit you well. However, if you are looking for a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement, the Jupiter Red could be more fitting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
