KTT Orange vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange 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, two options that stand out are the KTT Orange and the Durock Sea Glass. The KTT Orange switch is renowned for its bouncy, frictionless feel, making typing a pleasurable and smooth experience. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vibrant orange nylon bottom housing, it not only provides an excellent tactile experience but also delivers a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series offers a captivating range of pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass has a weightlessness that defies expectations, making it remarkably easy to press. Additionally, its frictionless nature contributes to a uniquely hollow sound signature while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and Durock Sea Glass differ in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings. The Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Sea Glass incorporates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Orange creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of this plastic. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a sound profile that is more pleasant, being bright but not excessively sharp.
In terms of bottom housings, the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate material that contributes to the switch's overall sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's bottom-out sound. Furthermore, being translucent, the polycarbonate bottom housing complements the RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This blend offers a distinctly pleasant sound profile, leaning towards brightness rather than sharpness. The bottom housing material has a more pronounced impact on the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, determining the tactile experience when a key is pressed.
While the KTT Orange and Durock Sea Glass feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both deliver distinct sound profiles. The top housing material influences the sound when a key is released, with the polycarbonate of the Orange producing a sharper and crisper sound, and the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Sea Glass providing a pleasant and brighter sound. However, when pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material becomes prominent. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Orange contributes to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound, while the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Sea Glass offers a unique tactile experience with its pleasant sound profile. Ultimately, although both switches have differing housing materials, they each offer their own appealing qualities in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Orange switch is slightly lighter at 46 grams, while the Sea Glass requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Orange switch requires 53 grams to fully press down, whereas the Sea Glass switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Sea Glass switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel compared to the Orange switch.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the KTT Orange switch may be preferred by those who require prolonged typing sessions or engage in extended gaming sessions. For individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel, the heavier bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass switch would be a suitable choice.
In conclusion, while both switches have similar actuation forces, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a different typing experience compared to the slightly lighter KTT Orange switch. Ultimately, the preference for lighter or heavier forces will depend on individual typing preferences and specific use cases.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm.
For those who are accustomed to the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, both switches provide a slightly shorter option. This can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize faster response times and prefer a more responsive feel. In this case, the KTT Orange switch would be the preferred choice. However, it is worth noting that the shorter travel distances may feel too abrupt for some individuals.
On the other hand, if you value a deeper keypress and enjoy the feeling of a more substantial travel distance, the Durock Sea Glass switch with its longer travel distance would be the better option. This switch caters to those who prefer a more hearty depth when typing.
In conclusion, while the KTT Orange and Durock Sea Glass linear switches both deviate from the traditional travel distance, they offer distinct experiences. The KTT Orange provides a shorter and more responsive feel, suitable for gamers, while the Durock Sea Glass offers a longer travel distance, appealing to individuals who appreciate a deeper keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange switch is best described as having a low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone when compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Sea Glass switch is unknown. 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.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The keys have a spring-like feedback sensation, providing a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switch is designed to minimize resistance or friction, resulting in an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, providing a fluid travel without a significant sense of resistance or friction. It is also characterized as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These qualities make typing on the Sea Glass switch comfortable for extended periods, reducing finger fatigue and offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Orange and Durock Sea Glass switches exhibit some similarities in terms of having a frictionless typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize resistance and provide smooth and effortless key travel. They also offer a low-impact feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. However, the Orange switch stands out with its bouncy and spring-like feedback, while the Sea Glass switch has a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. The sound profile of the Orange switch is low-pitched, while the exact sound profile of the Sea Glass switch is unknown.
Overall, if you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience, both the KTT Orange and Durock Sea Glass switches can deliver similar results. However, if you prefer a bouncy and lively feel with a low-pitched sound, the Orange switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are intrigued by the unique dryness, wispiness, and airiness with a mild and feathery feel, the Sea Glass switch could provide an interesting typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and a bouncy, frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a 53g bottom-out force, it offers a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. The switch provides a spring-like rebound when pressed, thanks to its bouncy feel. Additionally, the Orange switch features a polished and fluid key travel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. In terms of sound, the Orange has a low-pitched profile, offering a mellow and bass-heavy tone.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom-out force and a frictionless, mild feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a suitable option. With a 62g bottom-out force, it delivers a weightless typing experience that defies expectations. The switch embodies a frictionless nature, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke. Despite its mild characteristics, the Sea Glass switch offers an approachable typing experience, making it suitable for most users. The sound profile of the Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow signature.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Orange and Durock Sea Glass linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a bouncy feel and low-pitched sound, the KTT Orange switch is an excellent option. However, if you desire a frictionless and mild typing experience, with a unique hollow sound, the Durock Sea Glass switch would be a suitable choice. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, adding a touch of personalization to your mechanical keyboard setup.
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