Outemu Silent White vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Silent White is best known for its linear design, providing a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback often found in other switches. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out for its captivating pastel colors and unique material blend that delivers a dry and airy typing sensation. While the Silent White may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward typing experience, the Sea Glass switches offer a mix of smoothness and weightlessness that defies expectations. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Sea Glass, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a pleasant, brighter sound profile that is not particularly sharp. This difference in top housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics for each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, the Silent White has a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. In contrast, the Sea Glass also uses a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, providing a unique sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. While both switches offer a different sound profile due to their bottom housing materials, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Sea Glass offer varying sound profiles and typing experiences due to their housing materials. The Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both top and bottom housings results in a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide users with an enhanced typing experience through the use of high-quality housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent White requires 60 grams while the Sea Glass requires 62 grams, making the Sea Glass slightly heavier in this aspect. This means that while typing on the Sea Glass switch, you may experience a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Silent White. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for a variety of typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and whether a slightly heavier bottom out force is desired.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it's clear that the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sea Glass has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Silent White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Sea Glass's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial key press.
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 White 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 Silent White switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a unique hollow sound signature that adds a touch of character to your typing sessions. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard design and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent White switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback. In comparison, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless feel that ensures a seamless and effortless typing experience. With a mild actuation force and a feathery touch, the Sea Glass switch is designed to reduce finger fatigue and provide comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches fall into the category of easy-to-press switches, offering minimal resistance and promoting a low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White and Durock Sea Glass switches have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Silent White for its quiet operation or the Sea Glass for its unique hollow sound signature, you can expect similar results in terms of ease of use and overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities that align with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should consider the characteristics of each switch carefully. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and are looking for a switch with a distinct dry, wisp, and airy typing experience that also offers a weightlessness, then the Durock Sea Glass switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom-out force switch with a different sound and feel, then the Outemu Silent White may be a better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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