Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Sea Glass are two distinct options worth exploring. The Keygeek Raw boasts a unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, resulting in a creamy yet lightweight switch that provides a slightly textured feel right out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass offers a captivating selection of pastel colors and a proprietary material blend that gives it a distinct dry, wispy, and airy typing experience. While the Keygeek Raw is known for its neutrality and subtlety, the Sea Glass is characterized by its feathery and easy-to-press nature. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that make them desirable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Sea Glass both offer a unique blend of Nylon and UHMWPE, each providing a sound profile that is described as pleasant and not particularly sharp. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing is exclusive to their switches, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing is also claimed to be incredibly unique. Both switches aim to offer a brighter sound profile that is still enjoyable to the user.
While the top housing materials of both switches are similar in their Nylon and UHMWPE blend, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend for the bottom housing, creating a unique combination exclusive to their switches. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass also incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, maintaining the consistent theme of a pleasant sound profile. The difference in bottom housing materials may impact the overall feel and sound when pressing down on the switch, with the qualities of the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
Despite the slight variation in bottom housing materials between the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Sea Glass, both switches aim to deliver a similar user experience with their Nylon and UHMWPE blend top housings. The exclusive blends used by Keygeek Raw and the unique offerings of Durock Sea Glass both contribute to a sound profile that is described as bright and pleasant, making them suitable options for those seeking a switch with a distinct auditory experience. Whether the focus is on the impact of the top housing when releasing a key or the qualities of the bottom housing during key presses, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for their users.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Keygeek Raw switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it extremely light and easy to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a slightly more substantial push feel during typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams to fully press the key, while the Sea Glass switch needs 62 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category when it comes to bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use, the Keygeek Raw switch would be a suitable option. However, for users who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more pronounced typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Keygeek Raw offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Sea Glass switch. The shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw may be preferred by those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as having a uniquely hollow sound signature, which adds an interesting auditory element to the typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch is noted for its slightly textured feel out of the box, providing a unique tactile experience for those who prefer a bit of friction in their switches. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch is praised for its frictionless nature, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with a weightlessness that defies expectations. Both switches are considered to offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Keygeek Raw provides a slightly textured feel and a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out with its captivating pastel colors, frictionless feel, and hollow sound signature, appealing to those who value a smooth and weightless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for texture, sound, and overall typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly textured feel with a creamy yet lightweight switch, the Keygeek Raw is the way to go. It is best for those who enjoy hand-lubing switches and appreciate a switch with a unique material blend. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, the Sea Glass linear switch is the perfect choice. Despite its slightly higher bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switch offers a weightless and frictionless typing experience with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, your preference for texture and material blend will dictate whether the Keygeek Raw or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the better option for you.
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