Durock Ice King Linear vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and Outemu Silent Ocean both offer unique qualities to consider. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. It is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean remains mysterious in its description, leaving users to discover its qualities firsthand. If you are looking for a switch that offers a smooth and polished typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-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 Outemu Silent Ocean, we can see a clear difference in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing gives a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper sound profile of the switch. This contrast in materials leads to a unique sound experience for each switch.
Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Ice King Linear and the Silent Ocean, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The Ice King Linear's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deep and rounded sound, while the Silent Ocean's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharp and clear sound profile. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience with distinct sound characteristics. However, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
The use of different housing materials in the Ice King Linear and the Silent Ocean demonstrates the impact that materials can have on the overall sound profile of a switch. While nylon provides a softer and more absorbent quality to the sound, polycarbonate offers a stiffer and more resonant characteristic. The combination of these materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, the housing materials of the Ice King Linear and the Silent Ocean allow for a customized typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King requires 62 grams while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making the Silent Ocean slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range of force, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Silent Ocean for its lighter actuation force, ideal for long periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ice King may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Linear offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have a specific sound description available. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known 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. Similarly, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have a specific feel description available. However, it can be assumed that both switches provide a smooth typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches are likely to offer similar results in sound and feel due to their linear switch design. While the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Silent Ocean switch may also provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and other factors such as pricing and availability.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force required to press the keys. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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