Dareu Master vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Master switch is praised for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, making it a favorite among users seeking a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock stand out with their pastel colors, proprietary material blend that offers a distinct dryness and airiness, and a surprising weightlessness despite a 62g bottom-out force. While the Master switch leans towards a more traditional feel, the Sea Glass switches provide a feathery and frictionless 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
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
The Dareu Master and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Master features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Sea Glass combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for a brighter and pleasant sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials result in a pleasing sound experience for users, albeit with varying tones and levels of sharpness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Dareu Master and Durock Sea Glass continue to showcase their distinct characteristics. The Master's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a brighter and pleasant sound. This means that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience for users.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Master and Durock Sea Glass differ in material composition, they play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when keys are released. This results in a dynamic typing experience where users can feel and hear the unique qualities of each housing material throughout their interactions with the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that they have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Dareu Master switch has an unknown bottom out force, while the Durock Sea Glass switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Durock Sea Glass switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Dareu Master switch. In terms of weight, the Dareu Master switch may provide a lighter typing experience due to the unknown bottom out force, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a stronger push feel with a medium bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, which can appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt keypress may opt for the Master switch, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the Sea Glass switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Master switch offers a classic clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch produces a uniquely hollow sound signature, emphasizing a dry, wispy, and airy sound quality that is distinctive from other switches. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the Master switch may provide a more traditional clacky sound, while the Sea Glass switch offers a more novel and hollow auditory feedback.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle yet refined keypress that is smooth and comfortable. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch delivers a frictionless and feathery typing feel that is exceptionally light, requiring minimal exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Master switch leaning towards a more balanced and safe middle-ground feel, while the Sea Glass switch focuses on a light and easy-to-press sensation that promotes effortless keypresses.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Master and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Dareu Master switch excels in providing a classic clacky sound with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out with its distinct hollow sound signature and frictionless, feathery feel that offers an effortless typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver satisfactory results, ensuring a pleasant and customizable typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom-out force and a clacky sound signature, as well as a medium weight for smooth operation, then the Dareu Master switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bottom-out force of 62 grams, a unique dry and airy typing experience, and a weightlessness that defies expectations, then the Durock Sea Glass switch series would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two distinct linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles.
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