KTT Ash Gray vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Sea Glass. The Ash Gray switch is widely regarded for its tactile response, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive touch with a crisp actuation. This switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but far from unnoticed. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a surprising weightlessness, maintaining their smoothness. Additionally, typing on the Sea Glass switches produces a uniquely hollow sound signature. While these general pointers give an overview of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision when choosing the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Sea Glass have different materials for their top housings. While the Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, the Sea Glass uses a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Despite the difference in sound profile, both housing materials are designed to allow RGB lighting to shine through.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the Ash Gray utilizes a nylon material, while the Sea Glass uses a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a unique sound profile that is also pleasant but not as dull or round as the nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, so the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Sea Glass differ in terms of their top and bottom housings. The Ash Gray showcases a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offers a pleasant and brighter sound. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, with the Ash Gray delivering a deeper and fuller sound, and the Sea Glass's blend creating a unique and pleasant sound. Despite the differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ash Gray has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams. This means that the Ash Gray requires a gentler touch to initiate a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is also lighter at 53 grams, compared to the Sea Glass's 62 grams. This indicates that the Ash Gray provides a softer typing experience when fully pressing down the key.
For those who prefer a lighter keyboard feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be a suitable choice as it offers a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter touch allows for longer typing sessions without as much strain or fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced tactile response.
Despite the differences in the forces required, both switches fall under the category of medium or medium-light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, regardless of the chosen switch, typists can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prioritizes a lighter touch or a more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sea Glass being closer to the average of 4.0 mm. However, with the rising popularity of shorter travel distances in the gaming community for quicker response times, the Ash Gray may be more suitable for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Sea Glass to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. This switch provides a satisfying tactile response without being overwhelming, resulting in a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, information about the Sea Glass switch's sound profile is not available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press and mild. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. It provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience due to its frictionless nature. The light actuation force and smoothness of these switches make them comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether it be for gaming, school, or work.
In conclusion, the Ash Gray switch is best known for its tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, resulting in a delightful blend of tactile feedback on the fingertips. While information about the sound and precise typing experience is not available for the Sea Glass switch, it is described as possessing a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. The Sea Glass switches also have a weightlessness despite their bottom-out force. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable and suitable for most users. Overall, while the specific sound and feel qualities may differ between the two switches, both the Ash Gray and Sea Glass switches aim to provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a light touch with crisp actuation, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. The Ash Gray switch is easy to press and has a mild typing experience, making it effortless and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in the typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a fantastic option. Despite its 62g bottom out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, offering a unique frictionless nature. The Sea Glass switches also have a mild typing experience, a fluid travel, and a hollow sound signature that sets them apart.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider the characteristics and qualities described above to determine which switch aligns with your desired typing experience. Whether you prioritize a light touch with tactile feedback or a distinct dryness and weightlessness, both switches provide excellent options for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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