Bsun Olive vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and the Durock Sea Glass stand out as unique options with distinct characteristics. The Bsun Olive is a tactile switch renowned for its all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass is a linear switch featuring a captivating selection of pastel colors and a typing experience that exudes dryness, airiness, and smoothness despite its 62g bottom-out force. While the Olive switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Sea Glass is labeled as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press'. Knowing these general pointers may help you decide which switch aligns with your preferences; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Bsun Olive and Durock Sea Glass switches both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM top housing of the Olive creates a deeper and more muted sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a quieter keypress. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a brighter sound that is still pleasant to the ear, offering a different auditory experience for users who enjoy a slightly crisper sound when typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Bsun Olive and Durock Sea Glass switches also contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Olive results in a deeper and more muted sound upon bottoming out, complementing the top housing's sound profile. In comparison, the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing of the Sea Glass provides a slightly brighter sound when bottoming out, adding a different tactile feedback to the typing experience. This demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall performance and sound of a switch.
While there are differences in the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Durock Sea Glass switches, the overall goal of providing a pleasant and unique typing experience is achieved with both options. Whether you prefer the deeper, muted sound of the POM housing in the Olive or the brighter, crisper sound of the polymer blend in the Sea Glass, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options provide a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Olive has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 62 grams, making the Olive the heavier of the two switches. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to initiate a keystroke, the Olive will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Sea Glass, while those who enjoy a more weighty feel when typing may choose the Olive for their keyboard setup. In the end, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether the user values a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Sea Glass linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals who prefer quicker response times. Gamers may lean towards the Olive switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Sea Glass switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for delivering a resonant, deep sound that is quite satisfying during use. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch emits a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a distinctive element to the typing experience. Both switches offer a different auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing feel, with the Olive providing a deeper tone and the Sea Glass presenting a more airy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Olive switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a sharp and snappy typing sensation that is immersive for the user. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch boasts a frictionless and mild feel that provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The feathery and easy-to-press nature of the Sea Glass switch also adds to its overall comfort and usability.
Overall, both the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Olive switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile feedback and deep sound, the Sea Glass switch offers a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a unique hollow sound signature. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a satisfying tactile feedback and a deep sound while typing, the Olive switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and pronounced tactile feedback may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a weightless feel and a distinct dry sound, the Sea Glass switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams might be more suitable for your preference. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing sensation you find most invigorating, whether it be sharp and pronounced tactility or effortless and feather-light keypresses. Consider these factors when selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best complements your typing style.
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