Cherry MX Orange vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Orange is celebrated for its heritage, as it revives the classic MX Orange switches in a new MX2A generation, combining nostalgia with modern enhancements to meet the demands of typists and gamers. Its linear design provides a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or clicky feedback, making it suitable for those who appreciate quiet and uninterrupted typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out with their vibrant pastel colors and a typing experience characterized by a distinct dryness and airiness, thanks to a proprietary material blend. Despite having a comparable bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches deliver a feather-light feel, making them a delight for long typing sessions. The hollow sound signature of the Sea Glass adds an intriguing auditory experience that complements its smooth actuation. Choosing between these two switches can hinge on personal preference: the traditional reliability of the Cherry MX Orange versus the modern flair and unique feel of the Durock Sea Glass. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and the Durock Sea Glass switches showcase notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The MX Orange utilizes a traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings, revered for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer characteristics, which help absorb sound waves and minimize sharpness, resulting in a duller and more rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass employs a unique combination of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housings. While it retains nylon's inherent softness, the addition of UHMWPE imparts a slight brightness to the sound profile, creating a more dynamic typing experience that leans towards a brighter sonic quality without being overwhelmingly sharp.

Moreover, the impact of the housing materials on the switches extends to their sound and feel. For the Cherry MX Orange, the consistent use of nylon in both housings means that the sound profile remains uniform across typing actions, with a full-bodied acoustics that is pleasant for extended use. This cohesion contributes to a typing experience that feels cohesive and predictable. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches, with their polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housings, allow for a more differentiated auditory feedback during use. The distinct materials work together to produce a typing experience that balances the benefits of nylon's sound absorption properties while also introducing a pleasing brightness, giving typists a rich and nuanced sound profile that evolves from key press to release.

Ultimately, despite their differences in material composition, both the Cherry MX Orange and Durock Sea Glass switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences rooted in their housing designs. If richness and depth are key preferences, the MX Orange may be favored for its singular nylon construction. Conversely, those looking for a nuanced experience that balances depth with a touch of brightness might find the Durock Sea Glass more appealing. In both cases, typists can expect a thoughtful auditory feedback mechanism that highlights the contributions of the respective housing materials to overall performance, ensuring that even with differing compositions, a satisfying typing experience can be achieved.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Durock Sea Glass features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sea Glass switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. However, for the bottom out force, the Cherry MX Orange's metric is unknown, whereas the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium. Thus, while the Sea Glass is the lighter switch in terms of actuation, it provides a heavier bottom out experience. Users who appreciate a stronger, more substantial feeling when pressing down might gravitate towards the Durock Sea Glass due to its bottom out force, despite its lower actuation force. If one prefers a lighter switch overall for ease of use, the Durock Sea Glass would be the more suitable choice.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when comparing the two, the Cherry MX Orange provides a deeper keystroke experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced feel with each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, the MX Orange offers a more traditional depth, while the Sea Glass caters to those who favor a more shallow, responsive design. If you're looking for a balance between key feel and speed, the differences in travel distance will likely influence your choice between these two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switches are generally well-regarded for their balanced acoustic profile, though the specific sound characteristics are not detailed here. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches create a uniquely hollow sound signature that, despite being described as "dry" and "wispish," offers an interesting auditory experience. While the exact sound profile of the MX Orange is not specified, the Sea Glass's distinct tonal qualities may evoke a specific aesthetic during use that can enhance the typing experience. It is important to note that sound can be influenced by various external factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which means both switches may produce different acoustics based on your setup.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Orange excels in offering a smooth typing experience, likely with a moderate level of resistance during key presses. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches take comfort to the next level with their frictionless nature, providing a light, airy touch that results in a very effortless typing sensation. With descriptors like "mild," "feathery," and "easy-to-press," the Sea Glass switches cater to those who prefer minimal exertion across longer typing sessions, making them particularly attractive for users seeking reduced finger fatigue. While both may allow for a smooth experience, the Sea Glass’s emphasis on low resistance and ease of activation sets it apart in terms of sheer comfort.

In summary, while the Cherry MX Orange switches are known for their balanced characteristics and anticipated smoothness, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out for their distinctly hollow sound signature and nearly frictionless feel. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prefer a more traditional typing feel or an ultra-lightweight, airy experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize auditory experience, typing comfort, or a combination of both, but either switch offers a commendable performance that can satisfy various typing needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and Durock Sea Glass linear switches largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you find yourself leaning toward a switch that delivers a unique tactile harmony with roots in Cherry's storied history, the MX Orange might be your best bet. This switch is not only reputed for its smooth and mild feel, but it also caters to users who enjoy a more traditional and approachable typing experience without excessive sound. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to aesthetic appeal and a novel typing sensation, the Durock Sea Glass switch presents a captivating option. With its frictionless and feathery characteristics, it offers a lightweight feel that can elevate your typing comfort during long sessions. Furthermore, the distinct hollow sound signature adds another layer of individuality to your typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize a classic, gentle typing experience with mid-range feedback, go for the Cherry MX Orange; conversely, if you appreciate a smooth, airy feel with a striking visual component, the Durock Sea Glass will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more