Cherry MX Black vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black 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 that stand out are the Cherry MX Black and the Durock Sea Glass. The Cherry MX Black switch is known for its iconic smoothness and deep sound profile, thanks to Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. Categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, it offers a familiar typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series captures attention with its captivating selection of pastel colors. These switches provide a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to their proprietary material blend. Despite the 62g bottom-out force, they feel weightless and frictionless, defying expectations. The Sea Glass switches also produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. Each switch offers its own unique experience, but let's delve deeper to help you decide which is the best option for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Durock Sea Glass switches have distinct differences, particularly in their sound profiles. The MX Black switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but slightly brighter. While both switches use nylon in their top housing, the Sea Glass switch offers a more pleasant and slightly brighter sound experience.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the MX Black and the Sea Glass switches also present varying characteristics. The MX Black switch uses a classic nylon bottom housing, contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a dull and round sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. While specifics are not mentioned, this unique blend likely affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, potentially offering a different sound profile compared to the MX Black's nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the switches play differing roles. The MX Black switch emphasizes the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on the MX Black switch allows users to experience the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch's housing materials divide their qualities between the top and bottom. While the specifics are not outlined, the bottom housing likely affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing exerts more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Although the switches offer different housing materials for the top and bottom, their impact on the overall sound and feel is noteworthy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences. The MX Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sea Glass's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Black switch requires 80 grams of force, while the Sea Glass switch requires 62 grams.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Sea Glass switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it would provide a smoother and potentially more comfortable typing experience over longer periods of time. This makes it a good option for individuals who require a keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This could be preferred by users who desire a heavier and more tactile feedback while typing. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the MX Black switch lend themselves to a more pronounced keystroke, potentially offering increased accuracy and precision.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. If a lighter touch is desired, the Sea Glass switch would be the better option, whereas those seeking a more forceful and tactile experience may opt for the MX Black switch. Regardless of the choice, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results to the user.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Cherry MX Black and Durock Sea Glass linear switches differ slightly, with the MX Black having a travel distance of 4 mm and the Sea Glass with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The MX Black falls into the more traditional range of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass offers a slightly shallower travel distance. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and specific needs. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Sea Glass a viable option. On the other hand, those seeking a more satisfying keystroke depth may lean towards the MX Black with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, catering to different preferences and requirements.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Black and Durock Sea Glass linear switches have distinct sound profiles. The MX Black is known for its low-pitched sound, which creates a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature, characterized by a distinct dryness and airiness. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the MX Black switches offer a textured and stiff typing experience. They have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users might prefer, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, meaning you need to apply more force when pressing the keys.
In contrast, the Sea Glass switches provide a frictionless and mild typing experience. They offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. These switches fall into the middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. They are also feathery, meaning they are exceptionally light to press and require little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The MX Black switches provide a low-pitched sound profile, a textured and stiff typing feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound, along with a frictionless, mild, and feathery typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, and the choice will ultimately depend on an individual's sound and feel preferences. However, if one is seeking a similar typing experience to the MX Black switch, the Sea Glass switch can provide comparable results with its smoothness and lightweight nature.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is a heavy switch with a bottom-out force of 80 grams. It is known for its classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile. It provides a low-pitched typing experience and has a textured and stiff feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a tactile and tactile feedback.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is a medium switch with a bottom-out force of 62 grams. It stands out for its captivating selection of five pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience. Despite its lighter weight, these switches offer a weightlessness that defies expectations and a uniquely hollow sound signature. They have a frictionless feel, mild actuation force, feathery touch, and are easy to press.
Therefore, if you prefer a heavier switch with a textured and stiff feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Black would be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a medium switch that offers a distinct typing experience with a frictionless and feathery touch, along with a mild sound profile, the Durock Sea Glass would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, feel, and sound.
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