Gateron CM vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron CM and the Durock Sea Glass offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CM switches break away from convention with their full nylon housing, providing a richer and deeper sound signature. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer an effortlessly smooth typing journey, reminiscent of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock present an eye-catching selection of five pastel colors and emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, thanks to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, maintaining a frictionless nature. While the CM switches are praised for their buttery and bassy qualities, the Sea Glass switches offer a mild and feathery typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Durock Sea Glass both utilize nylon housing materials for their top and bottom switches. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both the CM and Sea Glass switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound, with the nylon housing creating a pleasant and immersive acoustic experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in the composition of their top housing materials. The CM switch features a pure nylon top housing, while the Sea Glass incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This blend offers a sound profile that is described as not particularly sharp but slightly brighter. Therefore, the Sea Glass switch may have a slightly crisper and more vibrant sound compared to the CM switch due to the addition of UHMWPE. This difference in sound characteristics can contribute to a more nuanced and personalized typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the CM and Sea Glass switches utilize nylon. As mentioned earlier, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Since both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the deep and full sound profile that nylon is known for. Whether you're typing on the CM or Sea Glass switch, you can expect a satisfying bottom-out experience with a rich and immersive sound.
In conclusion, although the Gateron CM and Durock Sea Glass switches both feature nylon housing materials for their top and bottom switches, they differ in terms of their top housing compositions. The CM switch utilizes pure nylon, while the Sea Glass incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This blend offers a slightly brighter sound profile compared to the CM switch. However, both switches provide a similar typing experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can observe both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the CM requires 55 grams of force, while the Sea Glass requires a lighter 45 grams. This means that the Sea Glass requires a gentler touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the CM. On the other hand, when considering bottom out force, the CM has a heavier force of 63.5 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 62 grams. This indicates that the CM offers a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressing the keys.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Glass switch due to its lower actuation force, which allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lighter feel can be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for extended periods, such as in office settings or during long gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may find the CM switch more appealing, as it has a heavier bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of stability while typing.
Ultimately, both the Gateron CM and Durock Sea Glass switches offer reliable linear options, with slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces. Irrespective of the differences, it is important to note that individuals can achieve similar results from both switches by adjusting their typing technique.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have different travel distances. The CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you are a gamer seeking quicker keystrokes, the Gateron CM switch would be a suitable choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, the Durock Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance might be a better fit. 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 Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
The Gateron CM linear switch is best known for its rich and deep sound signature. Breaking away from convention, the CM switches feature a full nylon housing, which contributes to the distinctive bassy and thocky sound profile during key presses. The sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, these switches are impeccably factory lubricated, ensuring an effortlessly smooth typing journey that evokes a sensation of gliding gracefully with each key press. The CM switches also offer a bouncy typing experience due to their lengthened, dual-staged spring.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations. The Sea Glass switches emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in their typing experience. However, it is important to note that the smoothness remains uncompromised. The proprietary material blend used in these switches contributes to their frictionless nature. Typing on the Sea Glass switches provides a uniquely light and effortless feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a rich and deep sound signature, with a smooth and effortless typing experience. The CM switches' full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job contribute to this overall feel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch provides a distinct hollow sound signature and a uniquely light and frictionless typing feel. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference and specific needs, either switch can be a great choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a richer and deeper sound signature with a bouncy typing experience, then the Gateron CM switch is the way to go. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, you can expect an effortlessly smooth typing journey that evokes a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in the typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switch is the better choice. Despite its weightless nature and hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch remains smooth and frictionless. Ultimately, consider the sound profile and feel descriptors that resonate with your preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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