Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options. The Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Durock Sea Glass are two notable switches that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, a tactile switch known for its refined feel, offers a satisfying medium-strength bump, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes—especially those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass is a linear switch that promises a smooth, frictionless journey with a delightful weightlessness, thanks to its lightweight 62g bottom-out force and airy sound profile. While the Sea Glass switches excel in providing an uninterrupted flow of keystrokes, perfect for fast-paced gamers or typists who prefer a quieter experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB appeals to those who thrive on tactile response and engagement. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
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
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and Durock Sea Glass switches share a fundamental characteristic in their material composition, as both utilize nylon for their housing. The MX Purple RGB employs a classic nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer properties, which allow it to absorb sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This effective sound dampening creates a richness during typing that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housings. This combination, while still including nylon, introduces an additional texture and characteristic, resulting in a brighter sound profile that is pleasant but not sharp.
When comparing these two switch designs, it's evident that the different housing materials significantly influence sound. While the MX Purple RGB's nylon housing produces a duller sound, the blend used in the Sea Glass contributes to a brighter acoustical output. This suggests that when typing, users will experience a different auditory feel even if both switches employ nylon in their construction. The Sea Glass's polymer blend enhances the clarity of the sound while keeping it pleasant, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. The impact of each material is perceptible: the MX Purple RGB creates a sound that feels rounded and encompasses, while the Sea Glass delivers brightness and clarity, adding a different dimension to the typing experience.
Despite these differences, both switches share some underlying qualities due to their reliance on nylon. As the top and bottom housings influence different aspects of the switch's performance, both designs leverage the inherent sound-absorbing properties of nylon, though the degree of impact varies. For instance, the MX Purple RGB's use of pure nylon results in a consistent sound profile throughout, whereas the Sea Glass's blend may create an interplay of sound characteristics—duller on bottom-out but subtly brighter upon release. Therefore, while users may achieve similar tactile and auditory satisfaction from both switches, the nuances in sound profiles invite users to choose based on their preference for either a full-bodied or a brighter auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an identical amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity can result in comparable typing experiences, as users will feel a consistent resistance when they press the keys. However, the switches diverge significantly in their bottom out forces; the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB does not have an available bottom out force rating. This means that the Sea Glass offers a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Durock Sea Glass is the heavier option, likely providing a different overall feel during extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch differ in travel distance, with the MX Purple measuring 4 mm and the Sea Glass at 3.8 mm. This means that the MX Purple offers a slightly deeper actuation, catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass can lead to quicker response times, making it potentially more favorable for gamers seeking rapid key presses. While a traditional travel distance is generally considered to be around 4 mm, the Durock Sea Glass, with its 3.8 mm travel, reflects a modern trend towards shorter distances that some users prefer. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a tactile depth or a quicker response. Thus, the MX Purple is the longer travel distance option, while the Sea Glass is the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are crafted to offer a refined acoustical experience, typically producing a satisfying and crisp sound that comes from their tactile bump and relatively short travel distance. This makes them suitable for a range of environments, balancing a pleasant auditory feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches provide a distinctly hollow sound signature, which can offer an interesting auditory layer to the typing experience. Their unique sound can be attributed to the proprietary material blend used in their construction. However, it's important to remember that sound characterization can vary greatly depending on the keyboard layout, casing, and keycap choices, making it essential to consider your entire setup when evaluating sound.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a medium-strength tactile bump that is both refined and predictable, making them approachable for newcomers and satisfying for seasoned typists. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy, as users receive immediate confirmation of key actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches offer an extraordinary typing experience defined by their frictionless nature, providing a smooth and effortless key press. The combination of a mild response and a feathery touch creates a typing experience that requires minimal effort, minimizing finger fatigue over long periods. While the Cherry MX Purple may appeal to those who prefer tactile feedback, the Sea Glass is ideal for those looking for a lightweight and smooth experience.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Durock Sea Glass switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The MX Purple RGB excels with its tactile feedback and pleasant sound, making it well-suited for users who enjoy a balance of response and auditory satisfaction. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switches shine with their smooth and nearly effortless keypresses, appealing to typists who prefer a more lightweight and airy feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile experience or a frictionless typing sensation, but both options promise to enhance your keyboard use in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a refined tactile experience that maintains a balance between feedback and comfort, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice. Its medium-strength bump makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, providing a satisfying feel without overly intense resistance. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, more effortless typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switches may be the way to go. With their frictionless nature and a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, they allow for a light and airy feel that can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, their distinct sound profile adds a unique auditory experience, making them suitable for users who appreciate a quieter and more subtle keystroke sound. Ultimately, consider your comfort, the type of work or gaming you engage in, and the sound signature you prefer to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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