KTT Mallo vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, the decision may come down to personal preferences in typing experience. The Mallo switch offers a subtle tactility with a balanced typing feel, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate gentle feedback without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series presents a unique dryness and airiness in its typing experience, coupled with a smoothness that defies its 62g bottom-out force. While the Mallo switch boasts a neutral sound signature, the Sea Glass switches offer a hollow sound that adds another layer to the typing experience. 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
55g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Durock Sea Glass, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant and bright sound. However, both materials are known for their translucency which makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite their differences in sound profile, they both prioritize clarity and resonance in their design.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing also offers a unique sound profile that is bright and pleasant. Both materials bring their own unique characteristics to the table, with nylon emphasizing a rounder sound while the blend brings a brighter tone. Despite these differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile of a switch, it is important to note that each material contributes its own qualities. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can greatly influence the overall typing experience. In the case of the Mallo and Sea Glass switches, both materials offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound profiles, making them both valuable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we find that the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The actuation force of the Mallo is unknown, but the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sea Glass requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Mallo, but the Mallo provides a lighter bottom out force for a softer typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, offering a good balance between quick response and solid typing feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Mallo offers slightly more travel distance, which could provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing compared to the Sea Glass. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4 mm being more standard and 3.8 mm being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Sea Glass for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke may lean towards the Mallo with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too distracting. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. While the Mallo provides a more balanced and versatile sound, the Sea Glass provides a distinct and airy sound that sets it apart.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch also provides a subtle resistance without being too overwhelming. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience with an effortless key press, minimizing any sense of resistance. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Mallo leaning towards a lighter feel and the Sea Glass focusing on smoothness.
Overall, while the KTT Mallo switch excels in providing a balanced sound and a feathery typing feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out with its distinct hollow sound and frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, typists may prefer the subtle tactility and neutral sound of the Mallo or the smoothness and unique sound signature of the Sea Glass. Both switches offer quality characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you value a feathery and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Mallo could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a frictionless and mild typing feel with a hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
