Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Red stand out as popular options in their respective categories. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its exquisite tactile typing experience, combining smoothness with a pronounced bump for a satisfying touch. On the other hand, the Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The Ink Red offers a smooth and crisp typing experience with a clacky sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile provides a unique blend of smoothness and tactility. 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
58g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Red use unique housing materials to create distinct sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller typing experience. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to many users. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housing, creating a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Ice King Tactile and the Ink Red switches offer a unique typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of impact and sound when pressing down on the switches. The bottom housing of each switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This ensures that users get a well-rounded typing experience that caters to different preferences and playing styles.
In terms of similarities, both the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing and the Ink Red's INK blend housing are designed to enhance the sound profile of the switches. While the Ice King Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, the Ink Red provides a pointed and high-pitched sound that is unique to Gateron switches. Both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to individual preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Ice King Tactile requires more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Ink Red. Therefore, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, while individuals looking for a lighter touch for longer typing sessions might opt for the Gateron Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance of the Gateron Ink Red switch. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile switch may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Red switch may provide a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences. Overall, the choice between the two switches will result in different typing experiences, with the Ice King Tactile offering a shorter travel distance and the Gateron Ink Red providing a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile for $4.20.
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. The sound of this switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed, contributing to a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is perfect for those with a lighter typing style, being satisfyingly smooth with a crispy and clacky sound profile. The sound of the Ink Red switch is described as neutral with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, along with a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart.
In terms of feel, both the Ice King Tactile and Ink Red switches are described as silky and polished, offering exceptionally smooth typing experiences with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Ice King Tactile is also mentioned to be frictionless and stepped, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a unique two-stage tactile feel. The Ink Red, being a linear switch, is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that most individuals will find approachable due to its safe middle-ground qualities.
Overall, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Ice King Tactile provides a more pronounced tactile experience and subdued sound, the Gateron Ink Red delivers a lighter typing experience with a unique chirpy sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile, but the smoothness and quality of both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Ink Red switches, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced tactile bump and smoothness, the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a crispy and clacky sound profile and a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value most.
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