Outemu Blue vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Durock Sea Glass offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its clicky nature, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with an audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out for its linear design, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience with a distinct dryness and airiness. While the Blue switch may appeal to those who enjoy the feedback of a clicky switch, the Sea Glass switch is favored for its frictionless feel and gentle actuation force. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
One key difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Durock Sea Glass switches is the composition of their top housings. The Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass boasts a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp, but leans towards the brighter side. While both materials enhance the sound profile of the switches, they provide distinct auditory experiences for users.
In terms of bottom housing, the Outemu Blue uses nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. In comparison, the Durock Sea Glass utilizes the same polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing as it does in the top housing. This unique blend carries over to the bottom housing, contributing to a pleasant sound profile that is not sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Despite both switches incorporating nylon in their bottom housing, the Sea Glass's blend with UHMWPE sets it apart in terms of sound characteristics.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Blue and the Durock Sea Glass plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience. While the Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Sea Glass's unique polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offers a more balanced and bright sound profile. Additionally, the different compositions of the bottom housings further differentiate the switches in terms of sound characteristics. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing, making it important for enthusiasts to consider these factors when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch with 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Glass switch is higher at 62 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Blue switch is unknown. This means that the Sea Glass switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel compared to the Blue switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Outemu Blue switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Durock Sea Glass switch for a more tactile typing experience. In general, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider based on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue switch. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Sea Glass switch, while those who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch. Both options provide a good balance between travel distance and tactile feedback, but the slight variation in distance can make a difference in the typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud and tactile click with each keypress, providing an audible indication of actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is known for its uniquely hollow sound signature, which creates a more muted typing experience compared to the sharp click of the Blue switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a satisfying feedback during typing. However, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a frictionless experience with a mild, feathery feel that requires minimal force to press the keys. This makes it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and provides a smooth typing experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone.
Overall, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch and Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue switch provides a loud and tactile typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a clicky feedback, while the Sea Glass switch offers a smooth and weightless feel with a quieter sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback of the Blue switch, it may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth, weightless typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Sea Glass switch with its frictionless and feathery feel may be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics will guide you in selecting the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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