KTT Pine vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the KTT Pine and the Durock Sea Glass. The KTT Pine is a linear switch that offers a medium-heavy feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a weightier keypress. Its buttery smooth action, coupled with a polished, factory-lubed finish, ensures minimal friction and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass is also a linear switch but possesses a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness thanks to its proprietary material blend. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel surprisingly lightweight, defying expectations. Typing on them also reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing to different individuals. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Durock Sea Glass switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housing. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it suitable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches feature a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housing. This blend creates a pleasant sound profile that is not overly sharp but leans towards a brighter tone.
When comparing the different housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities they bring to the switch will be split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing, influenced by the material used, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. In the case of the Pine switch, the stiffness of the polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine switch creates a higher-pitched and clearer sound. Similarly, the Sea Glass switch's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in both top and bottom housings contribute to a pleasant and bright sound when releasing a key.
In terms of similarities, both the Pine and Sea Glass switches utilize housing materials that generate pleasant sound profiles. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine produces a sharper sound, the Sea Glass's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend creates a brighter tone. Additionally, both switches consider aesthetics, as the translucency of polycarbonate in the Pine and the unique blend in the Sea Glass make them suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Overall, while there are distinct differences between their housing materials, both switches offer satisfying sound qualities influenced by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces. The KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, whereas the Durock Sea Glass has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Durock Sea Glass slightly heavier in terms of the force required to press the keys all the way down.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Pine switch as its bottom out force is the lighter of the two. This allows for more prolonged typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial and stronger push feel while typing may find the Durock Sea Glass switch more suitable. Its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a more satisfying and substantial typing experience.
Overall, as the actuation forces are the same for both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of key sensitivity and response. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Durock Sea Glass offers a slightly heavier option compared to the KTT Pine, catering to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine 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 more traditional range of travel distances, with the Pine being on the longer side and the Sea Glass being on the shorter side. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Sea Glass switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with a bit more depth. In that case, the Pine switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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.
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 KTT Pine linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched qualities. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness of bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch does not have any mentioned sound descriptors. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is often described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The typing experience on these switches can be likened to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild qualities. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, they have a feathery feel that is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out for its bassy sound profile and buttery-smooth typing experience. It offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses and provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience. Its smoothness remains uncompromised, and typing on these switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound. The Sea Glass switch series is also known for its frictionless nature and feathery feel, offering a light and effortless typing experience. Overall, while each switch has its own unique qualities, both the KTT Pine and Durock Sea Glass switches provide smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, ensuring a satisfying experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium weight switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, both the KTT Pine and Durock Sea Glass switches are excellent options. The Pine switch offers a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Sea Glass switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams.
If you prefer a switch with a rich and deep sound profile, the Pine switch is the better choice with its bassy and low-pitched characteristics. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, although further descriptors are not provided.
In terms of feel, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Both switches are designed to minimize resistance and friction, ensuring a smooth keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Pine and Durock Sea Glass switches comes down to personal preference. Consider your desired sound profile, feel, and bottom out force to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. Whichever switch you choose, both will provide an enjoyable and effortless typing experience.
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