SP-Star RedBlue vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star RedBlue and Durock Sea Glass are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The RedBlue switch is perfect for those who prefer a medium-light typing feel, with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. Its categorized qualities include being low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while typing, thanks to its proprietary material blend. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them incredibly easy to press. Furthermore, they produce a uniquely hollow sound. With these general pointers in mind, let's dive deeper to help you decide which switch would be the perfect fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star RedBlue and the Durock Sea Glass switches display notable differences. The RedBlue utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Sea Glass employs a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both components. These choices result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities for each switch. The RedBlue, with its polycarbonate housing, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which promotes clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting purposes. Conversely, the Sea Glass's housing blend delivers a pleasant sound profile that is not excessively sharp but leans towards a brighter tone. However, since both switches employ similar materials for their respective top and bottom housings, one can expect to obtain similar outcomes in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall performance of the switches, users can observe some distinctions. In the case of the SP-Star RedBlue, the qualities associated with the polycarbonate material, such as sound sharpness and crispness, are divided between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the sound and feel experienced during the bottom-out action of pressing a key. Conversely, the impact of the top housing is noticeable when releasing a key, influencing the sound produced. On the other hand, for the Durock Sea Glass, which incorporates the same housing blend for both components, the qualities remain consistent throughout the switch's operation. Thus, the sound profile and overall feeling of the switch are likely to be more uniform from bottom-out to key release.
In summary, the SP-Star RedBlue and the Durock Sea Glass switches differ in their choice of housing materials. The RedBlue utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and enhanced aesthetics for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass employs a unique polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both housings, offering a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. However, when comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings, the RedBlue splits the qualities between the two, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out action and the top housing impacting key release. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass maintains consistent qualities throughout its operation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The RedBlue switch has an actuation force of an unknown amount of grams, while the Sea Glass switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the RedBlue switch having a bottom out force of 57 grams and the Sea Glass switch having a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams.
Weight, in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, can play a significant role in the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter weight switch may find that the RedBlue switch allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for tasks such as working or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sea Glass switch, with its slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 62 grams.
While the specific actuation force of the RedBlue switch is unavailable, it is likely that it falls within a range that provides a similar lighter typing experience to the Sea Glass switch. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch with a comfortable typing feel may still obtain comparable results using either the RedBlue or Sea Glass switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is 4mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the RedBlue falls on the average side at 4mm, while the Sea Glass is slightly shallower at 3.8mm. However, it is worth noting that in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass would be preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, in which case the RedBlue with its longer travel distance might be a better choice for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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
The SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is best known for its medium-light typing experience and relatively higher-pitched sound profile. The sound of the RedBlue switch is described as low-pitched, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, it has a thocky sound, which gives a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a distinct typing experience. The Sea Glass switches are made of a proprietary material blend that creates a dry, wispy, and airy feel. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, resulting in a frictionless typing experience. However, the sound signature of the Sea Glass switches is uniquely hollow, which adds to the overall typing experience.
In terms of sound, the RedBlue switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. In comparison, the sound characteristics of the Sea Glass switch are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the RedBlue switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates a more gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. The polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless feel, minimizing resistance or friction during key presses. It is also described as mild and feathery, providing a light and effortless typing experience. The easy-to-press characteristic enhances the typing experience by requiring minimal force to activate the keys.
In conclusion, the RedBlue linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The RedBlue switch provides a medium-light typing experience with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. It is mild and polished in feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a distinct dry, wispy, and airy typing experience, with a uniquely hollow sound signature. It is frictionless and feathery, providing a light and effortless typing experience. While their sound characteristics differ, both switches offer a mild feel and would be suitable for users looking for a comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, then the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is a great choice for you. These switches offer a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. In terms of feel, they are described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a distinct typing experience with a weightless feel and a uniquely hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the way to go. Despite its slightly heavier bottom out force, these switches have a frictionless nature and offer a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Their typing experience emanates a dryness, wispiness, and airiness, making them stand out.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star RedBlue and Durock Sea Glass linear switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider what qualities are important to you and select the switch that aligns with your preferences to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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