Gateron Melodic vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Sea Glass offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that brings a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, enhanced by advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass is a linear switch known for its distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, despite its smoothness and 62g bottom-out force. While the Melodic is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Sea Glass is labeled as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their own appeal and qualities that make them stand out. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Melodic featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Sea Glass's blend offers a sound that is pleasant and bright. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Melodic allows for RGB lighting, while the Sea Glass's translucent blend adds a unique look to the switch.
In terms of sound profile, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sea Glass's blend, which is described as bright and pleasant. The top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the overall sound output, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic creating a clear and resonant sound, while the Sea Glass's blend offers a less sharp but brighter sound profile.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Sea Glass differ in composition and sound profiles, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth to the overall sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Glass's blend top and bottom housing provide a pleasant and bright sound overall. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that there are some differences in the force required for each. The Gateron Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sea Glass's 62 grams. However, the actuation force of the Sea Glass is lighter at 45 grams, compared to the Melodic's unknown actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for typing or gaming, the Sea Glass may be the better option with its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the Melodic switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium force category, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we see that the Melodic has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference may not seem like much, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Melodic switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch, with its shorter travel distance, may be preferred by gamers or those looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 considering sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy experience, delivering a higher-pitched and clean sound profile with a satisfying crunch similar to stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature due to its material blend, creating a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. While the Melodic switch focuses on a classic clicky sound, the Sea Glass switch sets itself apart with its proprietary blend resulting in a more subtle yet satisfying sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing experience, providing a smooth and seamless keystroke with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch boasts a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press feel. With a weightlessness that defies expectations and a fluid travel, the Sea Glass switch stands out for its effortless typing experience tailored for extended use, making it comfortable for various typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in providing a classic clicky sound and a buttery, invigorating feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a unique hollow sound signature and a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, both switches cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring users can find a switch that suits their individual preferences and typing style. Whether opting for the Melodic for a more traditional clicky experience or choosing the Sea Glass for a frictionless and airy feel, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should consider the following guidelines. If you are someone who enjoys a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without compromising on smoothness, the Gateron Melodic switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique typing experience with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass switch series could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking for. Whether you prioritize the sound, feel, or bottom-out force of the switches, both the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Sea Glass have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
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