Outemu Silent Grey vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are key differences to consider. The Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke while keeping noise to a minimum. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and unique typing experience characterized by a dry, wispy, and airy feel. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and smooth, with a hollow sound signature during typing. Each switch has its own advantages, with the Silent Grey offering a tactile typing experience and quiet operation, while the Sea Glass provides a frictionless, mild, and easy-to-press feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and Durock Sea Glass switches, we can see that the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing while the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound clarity. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's blend offers a more pleasant and brighter sound profile that is not particularly sharp. This contrast in sound characteristics between the two switches highlights how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Grey boasts a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Sea Glass features the same blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective bottom housing characteristics.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials, whether it be polycarbonate or a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, will impact not only the sound but also the feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Silent Grey and Sea Glass differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience through a combination of top and bottom housing qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it's clear that the Silent Grey is slightly heavier in both aspects. The actuation force of the Silent Grey is 50 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams, making the Sea Glass the lighter of the two. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Silent Grey is 65 grams, while the Sea Glass is 62 grams, indicating that the Silent Grey is also heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, with the Silent Grey leaning towards the heavier side. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Sea Glass may be the better option, while those who like a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation force and bottom out force will play a significant role in determining the typing experience for users of these switches.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Grey being on the longer side and the Sea Glass being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Sea Glass for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
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 Silent Grey 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 Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for offering a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch emits a uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a distinct auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that appeals to those looking for a satisfying tactile feel. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. With a weightlessness that defies expectations and a mild typing feel, these switches offer a unique sensation that may appeal to those seeking a light and gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Grey switch excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out for its frictionless and weightless feel, along with its captivating pastel colors. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so experimenting with both may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the typing experience and preferences that suit you best. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique and frictionless typing experience with a weightless feel and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass switch could be the perfect match. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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