Outemu Brown vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown 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 Brown and the Durock Sea Glass present unique options to consider. The Outemu Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass stands out for its linear feel, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. While the Sea Glass boasts a distinct dryness and weightlessness, the Outemu Brown provides a more traditional tactile sensation. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on personal typing style and preference. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Durock Sea Glass, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. This unique blend provides a pleasant typing experience that differs from the sharper sound of the Brown.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Outemu Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass also features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright. This blend combines the qualities of nylon with UHMWPE to provide a typing experience that is different from the deeper sound produced by the Brown's nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials greatly impacts the sound and feel of a switch. While the Outemu Brown's housing materials create a sharper, more resonant sound profile, the Durock Sea Glass offers a unique blend that results in a pleasant and bright typing experience. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Brown or the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing of the Sea Glass, each material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a quality typing experience that is tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brown requires 65 grams while the Sea Glass needs 62 grams, making them relatively similar in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Glass may be the better option with its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a slightly heavier touch may lean towards the Outemu Brown switch. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of overall force, offering a balance between typing comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Brown switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial keystroke feel compared to the Sea Glass switch. However, the Sea Glass switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. Both switches offer a traditional travel distance, with the Sea Glass switch being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Brown 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 Brown switches are known for a subtle and muted typing experience, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches offer a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds a touch of character to your typing. The sound of a switch, however, can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switches provide a tactile bump during actuation, giving typists a satisfying feedback while typing. The Durock Sea Glass switches, on the other hand, are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These qualities suggest a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and fatigue on the fingers. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, but the Sea Glass switches may excel in providing a lighter and more gentle typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Brown and Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Brown switches are praised for their quiet operation and tactile feedback, the Sea Glass switches stand out for their unique sound signature and smooth, frictionless feel. Depending on whether you prioritize a tactile bump or a feather-light typing experience, either switch could suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that you'll get reliable performance regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a reliable and popular switch, the Outemu Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are intrigued by the captivating colors and unique typing experience offered by the Durock Sea Glass switches, particularly their airy and frictionless feel, then the Sea Glass switch may be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and aesthetics. Be sure to consider these factors carefully before making your final decision.
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