Durock Medium Tactile vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Sea Glass. The Medium Tactile switch is highly regarded for its unique tactile experience, striking a perfect balance between a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying keystroke. Additionally, this switch produces a pleasing jelly-like sound when typing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating pastel colors and dry, wispy, and airy typing experience. These linear switches may appear lightweight due to their 62g bottom-out force, but they defy expectations by providing a frictionless and effortless typing experience. Moreover, they have a distinct hollow sound that is quite unique. 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
65g
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 Medium Tactile and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their top housing materials. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright. While the Medium Tactile focuses on creating a sharper sound, the Sea Glass aims for a brighter tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Sea Glass combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing blend. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is pleasant, but not particularly sharp. It adds a touch of brightness to the overall sound.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of these switches, it's important to note that the characteristics brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom parts of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific details may differ, both the Medium Tactile and the Sea Glass aim to provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience by utilizing various housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, whereas the Sea Glass switch requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Sea Glass switch lighter in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Sea Glass switch's bottom out force of 62 grams.
Considering the weight, it is worth noting that individuals have different preferences in this regard. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Sea Glass switch, as it allows for more comfortable typing over extended periods of time. This makes it suitable for keyboards used for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch, which requires a heavier force for bottoming out.
In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile and Durock Sea Glass switches differ. The Sea Glass switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Medium Tactile switch is slightly heavier for bottoming out. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can actually have a significant impact on the overall typing experience.
For those who prefer a more traditional feel and enjoy the satisfaction of a deeper key press, the Medium Tactile with its 4 mm travel distance would be the preferred choice. This additional 0.2 mm provides a slight extra depth, resulting in a more robust tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys. However, for those who value speed and responsiveness, the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance might be the ideal option. Gamers, for instance, often opt for switches with shorter travel distances to minimize finger fatigue and enable quicker response times.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference. Some individuals enjoy the immediate feedback and precision of shorter travel distances, while others find a longer travel distance more satisfying and enjoyable. Thankfully, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Sea Glass offer reliable performance and will provide similar results in terms of their overall typing experience, making either option a suitable choice depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, resulting in a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series offers a uniquely hollow sound signature due to its proprietary material blend. Although the exact sound characteristics of both switches are not provided, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, the choice of board and keycaps will play a role in determining the sound produced by both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as an accented switch with a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a stepped feel, meaning that it has two stages of tactile feedback, providing a mild and smooth typing experience. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and results in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series offers a frictionless typing experience, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This results in an effortless and fluid travel during typing. The switches are also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Furthermore, the Sea Glass switches are feathery and easy-to-press, meaning they have an exceptionally light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and makes extended typing sessions more comfortable.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass switch series have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile switch provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Sea Glass switches offer a uniquely hollow sound signature with a frictionless and light feel. Despite their differences, both switches are described as mild, providing a middle-ground typing experience that is generally comfortable and approachable. It is also important to consider the impact of other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps on the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style.
If you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile is the switch for you. Its accented and stepped feel provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, then the Durock Sea Glass is worth considering. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches offer a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches provide a mild and feathery feel, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile has a jelly-like sound signature, while the Sea Glass produces a uniquely hollow sound. Both switches have their own unique auditory characteristics that can add to your typing experience.
Overall, if you prioritize a balanced tactility and a polished typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. However, if you prefer a dry and airy feel with a light actuation force, the Durock Sea Glass switches will suit your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
