Outemu Silver vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique qualities for different typing experiences. The Outemu Silver, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass, also a linear switch, stands out with its captivating pastel color options and proprietary material blend that provides a distinct dryness and airiness while maintaining smoothness. While the Silver is categorized as "smooth", the Sea Glass is described with adjectives like "frictionless", "mild", "feathery", "easy-to-press". Each switch has its own strengths and reasons why you might choose one over the other; however, let's delve 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
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
The Outemu Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Durock Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that offers a more pleasant, brighter sound. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting, while the unique blend in the Sea Glass top housing provides a different auditory experience. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, the two top housing materials exhibit distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
In the bottom housing department, the Silver utilizes nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a similar pleasant sound profile that is slightly brighter in tone. While both housing materials contribute to the overall sound signature of the switch, their differences in stiffness and sound absorption properties result in noticeable variations in the typing experience. Despite these differences, both the Outemu Silver and Durock Sea Glass provide unique acoustic profiles that cater to different typing preferences.
When comparing the bottom and top housing materials of the Outemu Silver and Durock Sea Glass, it becomes apparent that each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out sounds and key presses, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The distinctive properties of polycarbonate in the Silver and the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Sea Glass contribute to the overall typing experience, offering a range of sound profiles for users to choose from based on their preferences. Despite these differences, both switches provide high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. However, the Silver switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, compared to the Sea Glass's 62 grams, making the Sea Glass slightly lighter overall. This means that while both switches offer a smooth and linear keystroke, the Silver switch may provide a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Glass switch may be the better option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback may prefer the Outemu Silver switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear 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 Silver offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Sea Glass. For gamers seeking a faster response time, the Sea Glass may be the preferred option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Outemu Silver to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance 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 Silver 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 Silver and Sea Glass linear switches offer distinctly different experiences. The Outemu Silver switch is known for a quiet typing sound, making it a great option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches emit a unique hollow sound signature that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switch lacks specific descriptors in the provided information, so its tactile experience remains unknown. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switches are praised for their frictionless and feathery feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. These switches also provide a mild typing feel that falls into a comfortable middle ground, making them approachable for a wide range of users. Furthermore, the easy-to-press nature of the Sea Glass switches makes them ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for work or gaming.
Overall, while the Outemu Silver and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter typing sound with the Silver switch or enjoy the unique hollow sound signature of the Sea Glass switches, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of typing smoothness and overall comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silver linear switch or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you are looking for in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and are not too concerned about sound or feel, the Outemu Silver switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the captivating pastel colors and unique typing experience of the Durock Sea Glass switches, with their frictionless and weightless feel, then the Sea Glass switches would be a great option for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it is important to consider your priorities and preferences when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
