KTT Cream Yellow vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel. With a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, it provides resonant audio feedback and a uniquely lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating selection of pastel colors and a typing experience that emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, its switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them easy to press. Additionally, typing on the Sea Glass switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass differ in terms of both their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In addition, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant and bright but not particularly sharp. This blend offers a different tone compared to the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow employs a nylon material, which is a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass combines a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, which again offers a distinct sound experience. This unique blend contributes to the overall sound profile, producing a pleasant tone that leans towards the brighter side without being overly sharp.

Despite their differences, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings can still impact the overall sound and feel of both switches. When pressing down a key, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the characteristics of the top housing become more apparent in the resulting sound. Understanding these distinctions allows users to make informed choices based on the specific sound profiles they prefer, whether it's the sharper and crisper tones of the Cream Yellow or the unique blend of brightness provided by the Sea Glass.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Despite being in the same weight range, the Cream Yellow requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Sea Glass. This means that typists who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who prefer a lighter feel could opt for the Sea Glass. However, it's important to note that both switches fall within the medium range, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch differ slightly. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Cream Yellow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be more appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, catering to different preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This is due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature. Although the specific description of their sound is unknown, it can be expected to have a different quality compared to the clacky sound of the Cream Yellow. 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.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy typing experience. When pressed, the keys have a lively feel and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the user a rebound effect, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches are known for their frictionless nature. They offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. They also have a mild feel, meaning they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, they can be described as feathery and easy-to-press, as they are exceptionally light to press and require minimal exertion from the fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions, such as for gaming, school, or work.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Sea Glass switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow produces a clacky sound and offers a bouncy typing feel, while the Sea Glass switches have a unique hollow sound and provide a frictionless and mild typing experience. However, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities, you can expect to find a keyboard switch that offers a clacky sound and a bouncy or spring-like typing feel. Keep in mind that the specific characteristics of a switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, then the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, while its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a mild, feathery, and frictionless feel, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the one for you. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them great for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches offer a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel, so consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more