HMX Game1989 vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your overall typing experience, and two notable contenders are the HMX 1989 and the Durock Sea Glass, both linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its profound depth and thocky sound, embodying the essence of the HMX Film switch series. It's an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a satisfying keystroke that provides ample feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out with their visually appealing pastel colors and unique typing feel, offering a blend of airiness and a surprisingly smooth, frictionless action despite a bottom-out force of 62g. Their distinct hollow sound signature creates an enchanting auditory experience that some users may find particularly attractive. While both switches are linear in nature, their characteristics present unique advantages and cater to different user tastes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Durock Sea Glass, it is evident that both switches utilize a distinct blend of materials that influence the sound profile and overall aesthetic. The HMX 1989 employs a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic makes polycarbonate particularly appealing for application with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which results in a brighter yet not overly sharp sound profile. While the two switches’ top housings differ distinctly in material, they each contribute their unique acoustic properties, allowing for varied auditory experiences.

Looking at the bottom housing, both switches utilize a nylon material, which serves as a classic choice for tactile applications. The nylon bottom housing of the HMX 1989 generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its softer composition that absorbs sound effectively. On the other hand, the Sea Glass combines nylon with UHMWPE, producing a sound profile that is still pleasant but leans slightly brighter. This suggests that while both switches use nylon, the mix with UHMWPE in the Sea Glass may create a nuanced experience that balances the material properties on the spectrum of sound clarity and depth. Thus, although both bottom housings stem from a nylon base, they manifest differing auditory textures due to their material composition.

Ultimately, the varying impacts of these housing materials reflect how the combined effects from both the top and bottom housings shape the performance of each switch. The HMX 1989’s polycarbonate top creates a clear resonance when a key is released, while its nylon bottom contributes a deep sound with each press. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass, leveraging its polymer blend for the top and a nylon base for the bottom, results in a mixed profile that offers a bright and pleasant typing experience. Though they leverage different configurations, users can expect enjoyable sound quality from both switches, making them versatile options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking either brightness or depth in their typing sound.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will deliver a similar feel during the initial keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Durock Sea Glass has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate the switch, the Sea Glass will provide a firmer resistance when fully depressed, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, whereas the Durock Sea Glass, with its heavier bottom out force, may be favored by users who enjoy a more tactile and robust feel.

Travel distance

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch differ in travel distances, with the 1989 measuring 4 mm and the Sea Glass at 3.8 mm. This means that the HMX 1989 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation with less effort. While both switches offer a satisfying experience, the HMX 1989's longer travel could feel more traditional and less abrupt, making it a better choice for those who enjoy a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is particularly noted for producing a deep, thocky acoustics that contributes to a satisfying auditory experience when typing, adding a richness that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switches deliver a uniquely hollow sound signature characterized by a distinct dryness and wispiness, which might appeal to those who prefer a more airy auditory experience. While both switches provide a quieter typing experience compared to tactile or clicky switches, the 1989's deeper tone versus the Sea Glass's more muted sound can make a notable difference depending on personal preference and the typing environment.

When it comes to feel, the 1989 is recognized for its smoothness, likely offering a consistent experience throughout the key travel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches excel with their frictionless design, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience that minimizes any resistance. The mild nature of the Sea Glass ensures that it remains approachable for a wider range of users, while the feathery touch of the switch allows for extended periods of use without finger fatigue. Overall, the emphasis on ease of pressing in the Sea Glass makes it significantly user-friendly, perfect for users who type for long durations, while the HMX 1989 focuses more on delivering a solid, deep engagement with every keystroke.

In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique qualities that appeal to different user preferences. The 1989 stands out with its deep, thocky sound and smooth feel, creating a satisfying typing experience, while the Sea Glass captivates with its airy sound and effortless, frictionless action. Depending on what attributes are prioritized, potential users may find themselves gravitating toward one or the other, but both can yield satisfying results tailored to different typing styles and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a typing experience that emphasizes a deep thock and a satisfying sensation with a medium-light actuation force, the HMX 1989 would be the ideal candidate. Its unique sound signature and feel are perfect for those who crave a more substantial feedback while enjoying an engaging typing rhythm, making it well-suited for gaming or typing where auditory and tactile satisfaction are paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and offers a distinctive airy quality, the Sea Glass switches would serve you well. Their frictionless nature and mild actuation force provide a lightweight and luxurious feel, making them excellent for prolonged typing tasks and casual use. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you—be it the richness of sound and feel or the delicate ease of finger movement—so you can select the switch this is best positioned to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more