Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx are both exceptional choices when it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, offering unique characteristics and features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a tactile typing experience that is both satisfying and refined. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4, resulting in a cleaner, more muted sound profile. While the Ice King Tactile boasts a symphony of touch with its 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished' characteristics, the U4Tx offers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump with its 'Bassy', 'Muted', 'Sharp' attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx both feature top and bottom housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which absorbs sound and creates a deep, full sound profile. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their housing materials, the Ice King Tactile offers a rounder sound profile, while the U4Tx boasts a rich sound with its unique plastic blend.
One key difference between the Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx is the material used for their top housing. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a tactile typing experience, with the housing material playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch.
When considering switches with different top and bottom housing materials, it is important to note how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Ice King Tactile's nylon bottom housing or the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a tactile typing experience with unique sound profiles, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force at 58 grams compared to the U4Tx's unknown amount. However, the Ice King Tactile also has a higher bottom out force of 68 grams compared to the U4Tx's 62.5 grams. In terms of weight, the Ice King Tactile can be considered the heavier option between the two, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx falls into the medium category for both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a more balanced choice for users who want a smoother typing feel without being too heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter weights favored for longer typing sessions and heavier weights preferred for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Ice King Tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Gazzew U4Tx switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the difference in travel distance may seem minimal, it can have a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may result in faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Gazzew U4Tx may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Gazzew U4Tx 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened typing experience, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch produces a deep and rich "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a quiet topping out sound for a cleaner sound profile. The U4Tx also offers a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will depend on various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also provides a stepped feel with two stages of tactility, creating a more subtle bump compared to other tactile switches. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress, providing a strong and crisp feedback that is distinctly felt. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through different tactile sensations.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing a smooth and polished typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Gazzew U4Tx switch focuses on a cleaner sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the creamy smoothness of the Ice King Tactile for a luxurious typing experience or the sharp feedback of the U4Tx for a more intense tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate the typing experience, ensuring a satisfying choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique tactile experience that blends smoothness with a pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a refined sound profile with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quieter typing experience overall, then the U4Tx could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and what attributes you value most in a keyboard switch.
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