Durock Ice King Linear vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Durock Ice King Linear or the SP-Star Yanyu. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a frictionless and creamy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is perfect for users seeking a delicate typing experience or those who type for extended periods, thanks to its crisp sound profile and feathery touch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the SP-Star Yanyu lies in the specific blend used in the Yanyu's housing. While the Ice King Linear uses a traditional nylon material for both its top and bottom housing, the Yanyu incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housing. This blend in the Yanyu offers a sound profile that is described as pleasant and slightly brighter compared to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the Ice King Linear's nylon housing.
Despite the difference in housing materials, both the Ice King Linear and Yanyu switches share a common feature in their use of nylon for the top and bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. However, where they differ is in the specific blend of materials used in the Yanyu switch, which results in a slightly brighter sound compared to the duller and rounder sound of the Ice King Linear. This difference in sound profile may cater to different preferences among users looking for a specific typing experience.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the material blend used in the Yanyu's bottom housing may contribute to a unique typing experience that is distinctly different from the Ice King Linear, even though they both use nylon for the top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific sound profile that each user is looking for in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Ice King Linear switch has a medium actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu switch has a light bottom out force of 43 grams, but the actuation force is not specified. This makes the Yanyu switch lighter in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yanyu switch would be the more suitable choice. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Ice King Linear switch with its slightly heavier forces may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding typing force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Yanyu switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press depth for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Yanyu switch being closer to the standard 4mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed, which adds a subtle and smooth auditory experience to typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the Yanyu switch also offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, both switches can offer a pleasant sound experience, with the Ice King Linear providing a more subdued tone, and the Yanyu offering a mix of neutral and thocky tones.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube application. These characteristics contribute to a smooth and effortless typing sensation, with minimized resistance and enhanced smoothness. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a mild and feathery typing feel, providing a gentle and light pressing experience that reduces finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. Both switches also share a polished feel, characterized by a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Whether you prefer a silky and frictionless feel or a mild and feathery touch, both the Ice King Linear and Yanyu switches offer qualities that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch each bring unique subjective qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear excels in providing a subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless typing feel, the Yanyu offers a mix of neutral and thocky sounds along with a mild and feathery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you opt for the Ice King Linear or the Yanyu switch, both options are designed to enhance your typing sessions and provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Ice King Linear switches would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a gentle typing feel, along with a crisp sound profile, then the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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