Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew U4T offer distinct typing experiences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, making it feel frictionless and polished. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a unique bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the U4T is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew U4T switches both offer a deep and full sound profile due to their soft plastic compositions. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T features a proprietary plastic blend for both its top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which also contributes to a rich and deep sound profile.
While both switches have similar housing materials that enhance sound quality, they also have some differences. The Ice King Linear's nylon housing is described as a classic switch material, offering a softer plastic that creates a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the U4T's Gazzew blend housing delivers a unique sound profile due to its proprietary nature, offering a rich sound that is enhanced by the softness of the plastic.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gazzew U4T switches both play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. While they may have slightly different properties due to their specific compositions, the end result is a similar deep and full sound that is desired by many keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice King Linear is lighter in terms of actuation force at 52 grams compared to the U4T's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4T is heavier at 65 grams while the Ice King Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Despite the difference in forces, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Ice King Linear, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the U4T. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces in relation to typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch. The Ice King Linear offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast input recognition. On the other hand, the U4T tactile switch provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. If shorter travel distance is desired for speed and responsiveness, the Ice King Linear is the way to go, while those seeking a deeper keypress may prefer the Gazzew U4T tactile switch.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch boasts a bassy and thocky sound profile, delivering a deep and rich tone with each keystroke, accompanied by a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual preferences and setup configurations.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is praised for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, providing a distinct and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. While the Ice King Linear switch focuses on smoothness and fluid key travel, the U4T tactile switch emphasizes a strong tactile response that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a subdued and smooth typing experience with the Ice King Linear switch or a bassy and sharp tactile feedback with the U4T tactile switch. Both switches excel in providing unique typing characteristics that can cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, experimenting with these switches on different keyboard setups and keycaps can further customize and optimize the typing experience to meet individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Ice King Linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. The Ice King Linear offers a silky and frictionless feel, making it a great option for those who prioritize smoothness and ease of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The U4T provides a thocky and bassy sound profile, coupled with a sharp tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Ice King Linear and the U4T will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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