KTT Kang White vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Kang White and the Durock Sea Glass are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Kang White is renowned for its poppy linear switch design, providing a dazzling typing sound that captivates users. Its self-lubricating material ensures an unparalleled smoothness while typing, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass series by Durock stands out with its captivating selection of five pastel colors, making it a favorite among many. These switches emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness during typing, while still maintaining their exceptional smoothness. Despite the 62g bottom-out force, they possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, showcasing their frictionless nature. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. Now, as intriguing as these generalities may sound, let us dive deeper into the intricacies of these switches to help you make the best choice based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their choice of housing materials. The Kang White employs a polycarbonate top housing, while the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more distinct and resonant sound. In contrast, the blend used in the Sea Glass produces a sound profile that is pleasant, but not particularly sharp. This suggests that the Sea Glass may offer a more subdued and mellow typing experience compared to the Kang White.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Kang White relies on nylon, while the Sea Glass incorporates the same unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend used in its top housing. Nylon is a classic housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the blend used in the Sea Glass's bottom housing offers a sound profile that is pleasant and a bit on the brighter side. This implies that the Sea Glass may produce a typing experience that is brighter and potentially less muffled compared to the Kang White.
Although the specific materials used for the top and bottom housings differ between the Kang White and the Sea Glass, their overall impact on the typing experience is similar. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant sound profile, but they achieve this goal in slightly different ways. The Kang White's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing delivers a fuller and deeper sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant but less sharp sound, while the blend used in its bottom housing provides a brighter typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the Kang White or the Sea Glass will depend on the specific sound profile you desire and the aesthetics of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are a few similarities and differences to note. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. This ensures that users can expect a consistent and familiar typing experience with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight variation. The Kang White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This difference means that the Sea Glass switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a slightly stronger push to fully press the keys.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Kang White switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of this switch make it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Sea Glass switch. The slightly heavier bottom out force of the Sea Glass switch provides users with a satisfying tactile feedback that some typists may prefer.
Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force, ensuring a consistent typing experience. The slight difference in bottom out force allows users to choose their preferred level of key resistance. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer options to accommodate different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Kang White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm. Typically, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm would be seen as shallow. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance would be the preferable option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress with greater depth, the Kang White's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch is best suited for individual typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
The KTT Kang White linear switch is widely celebrated for its enchanting low-pitched sound profile. These switches deliver a bass-heavy and mellow tone, contributing to a pleasing and immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kang White switch boasts unparalleled smoothness, thanks to its self-lubricating material. This combination of sound and feel makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are typing at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a unique hollow sound signature, which sets it apart from the Kang White. While the sound of the Sea Glass switches remains distinct and airy due to their proprietary material blend, their smoothness is uncompromised. These switches offer a frictionless and weightless typing experience, characterized by their feather-light actuation force. The Sea Glass switches create a gentle and effortless typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. As for the subjective qualities of these two switches, they diverge in terms of sound, with the Kang White being low-pitched and the Sea Glass possessing a uniquely hollow sound. Both switches, however, provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making them suitable choices for different preferences. Depending on the user's board and keycaps, the overall sound of the switches may be further influenced. Ultimately, newcomers can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and comfort from both the Kang White and the Sea Glass switches, ensuring a gratifying and fulfilling typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Kang White linear switch is a fantastic choice. It is known for its dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is a great option. These switches offer a captivating selection of pastel colors and emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while maintaining their smoothness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they possess a weightlessness that defies expectations. In terms of sound, the Kang White has a low-pitched and neutral profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, we don't have specific information about the sound profile of the Sea Glass. When it comes to feel, the Kang White lacks a specific description, while the Sea Glass offers a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. So, take your pick and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience!
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