Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their key differences. The Crystal Brown is well-regarded for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying sensation with each key press. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a unique linear typing experience with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to its proprietary material blend. The Sea Glass switches also stand out with their pastel colors and smooth typing action despite the 62g bottom-out force. While the Crystal Brown provides tactile feedback, the Sea Glass switches offer a frictionless and feathery typing experience. 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
55g
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
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock Sea Glass switches both offer unique sound profiles, but through different means. The Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiff nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a more pleasant and brighter sound, without being overly sharp. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switch.
The differences continue with the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the top housing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing also offers a unique sound profile that is on the brighter side, complementing the characteristics of the top housing. The blend of materials in the Sea Glass switch provides a balanced sound that is neither too sharp nor too dull.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock Sea Glass switches differ in composition and sound characteristics, they both play crucial roles in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a combination of qualities, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Whether opting for the sharper and clearer sound of polycarbonate in the Crystal Brown or the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Sea Glass, users can expect distinctive and enjoyable sound experiences from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Glass, which has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The Crystal Brown provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Sea Glass offers a medium typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Crystal Brown may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Sea Glass may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal 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. This means that the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. The shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown may provide a more satisfying and deeper keypress for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being on the longer side and the Sea Glass being slightly shorter in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Crystal 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
In terms of sound, the Crystal Brown and Sea Glass switches offer distinct characteristics. The Crystal Brown switch is known for its unique sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock produces a hollow sound, which can be attributed to its proprietary material blend. It is important to note that while the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience with their individual sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, while the Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. This indicates that the Sea Glass switch series offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, making it comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the feel of the Crystal Brown switch may vary depending on personal preference and typing style.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Brown switch provides a satisfying sound experience, while the Sea Glass switch series stands out with its smooth and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are reputable choices in the mechanical keyboard community, ensuring a high-quality typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a tactile bump, the Crystal Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force with a smooth linear feel and a unique sound signature, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock could be your ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so carefully consider what features are most important to you before making your decision.
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