Durock Light Tactile vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile 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 Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Sea Glass. The Light Tactile switch is best known for its gentle tactility, providing a contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches offers an angelic tactility along with a jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Light Tactile switch provides a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating selection of five pastel colors. These switches have a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to their proprietary material blend. Despite a 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations and offers an easy-to-press experience. Additionally, they produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. Categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press', the Sea Glass switches provide a smooth and lightweight typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Sea Glass combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Both housings provide pleasant sound profiles, but the Light Tactile's polycarbonate housing offers a more vibrant and resonant experience, while the Sea Glass provides a milder and brighter sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Light Tactile employs a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This unique blend once again offers a pleasant sound profile that is slightly brighter. While the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a more mellow and resonant typing experience, the Sea Glass's blend results in a softer yet brighter sound.
It's worth noting that when the top and bottom housings are different within a switch, each housing material brings its own qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the Light Tactile and Sea Glass switches will offer slightly different experiences depending on the specific housing material used in the top and bottom components. However, both switches aim to deliver satisfying typing experiences with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Light Tactile requires an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Sea Glass has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Light Tactile has a higher value of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Sea Glass has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Light Tactile switch the heavier option overall, providing a stronger push feel to satisfy those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Glass provides a lighter actuation force, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Despite the differences, both switches offer a medium feel overall, with the Light Tactile being slightly heavier. Therefore, those seeking similar results can expect comparable typing experiences from either of these Durock switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional standards, 4.0 mm is considered the most common travel distance, whereas 3.8 mm falls on the shallower side. However, with the increasing demand for faster response times, shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly amongst gamers who prioritize quick reactions. In this regard, the Sea Glass with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be the preferred option. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a greater depth. In such cases, the Light Tactile switch with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice. Overall, the decision to choose between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with shorter travel distances offering speed and responsiveness, while longer travel distances provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile 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 Durock Light Tactile switch is known for providing a gentle tactility, which is a unique and welcomed departure from the sharper tactile switches commonly found on the market. When typing on these switches, users can expect an angelic and jelly-like sensation, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. The Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a distinct typing experience characterized by a dry, wispy, and airy feel. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. When typing on the Sea Glass switches, users will notice a uniquely hollow sound signature. The specific sound characteristics of the Sea Glass switch are unknown, but it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In summary, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a moderate typing experience. The Sea Glass linear switch, on the other hand, offers a distinct dry and airy feel, with an unknown sound profile. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable for most users, and their smoothness remains uncompromised. However, it is important to consider other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can further influence the sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a softer sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice. It offers a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a weightless and frictionless feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be an ideal option. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, it possesses a unique hollowness and airiness, providing a distinct typing experience. It also offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so it would depend on your personal preferences and typing style when making a decision. Overall, Durock provides a diverse range of switches to cater to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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