Outemu Purple vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch. The Outemu Purple switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out for its unique pastel color options and smooth typing experience due to its proprietary material blend. While the Purple switch offers a tactile typing experience, the Sea Glass switch boasts a frictionless, feathery feel that is easy to press. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities to consider when selecting the best switch for your typing 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Durock Sea Glass, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Purple's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. While the Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Sea Glass's blend bottom housing contributes to a brighter sound profile, resulting in a unique typing experience for both switches.
The differences in housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Durock Sea Glass greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple produces a clearer and resonant sound, while the Sea Glass's blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple creates a deeper sound profile, while the Sea Glass's blend bottom housing contributes to a more rounded sound. These contrasting qualities make each switch stand out in its own way, catering to different preferences in sound and typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Durock Sea Glass offer distinct qualities, they both contribute to a unique typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to have a specific impact on the sound and feel of each switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Whether it be the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the Purple or the pleasant, brighter sound of the Sea Glass, both switches provide users with variety in sound profiles to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch's 45 grams. Both switches lack information on the bottom out force, but the Sea Glass is noted to have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. The difference in actuation force means that the Purple switch may require a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke, while the Sea Glass may offer a lighter and more responsive typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Sea Glass may be the better option. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is preferred, the Purple switch may be the choice. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch can significantly impact the typing experience, so it's essential to consider these factors when choosing a switch for your keyboard.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Purple being slightly longer than the Sea Glass. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Purple. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and typing experience.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is known for its moderate sound level, providing a satisfying "thock" with each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a touch of airy ambiance to your typing experience. Keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard body material and keycap style chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback to the typist, enhancing accuracy and typing speed. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, offering an effortless and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is noted for its mild and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Its easy-to-press nature ensures a responsive and low-impact typing feel for all users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. While the Purple switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback with a moderate sound level, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its smooth and frictionless typing experience accompanied by a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them largely depends on personal typing style and preference for sound and feel. However, it's important to note that regardless of which switch you choose, both will provide a premium typing experience that is sure to elevate your keystrokes to the next level.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a switch with a unique tactile bump and no bottom-out force, the Outemu Purple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and weightless typing experience with a medium bottom-out force and a captivating design, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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