Kailh Sage vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Sage and the Durock Sea Glass. The Kailh Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series presents a captivating selection of five pastel colors and provides a typing experience that emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. The Sea Glass switches are incredibly smooth, despite their 62g bottom-out force, and possess a weightlessness that defies expectations. Additionally, typing on the Sea Glass switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. While these general pointers give you a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$6.25 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and Durock Sea Glass switches differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Sage features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's stiffness allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing. This blend creates a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards being brighter. Users who enjoy a pleasant and slightly muted sound may be drawn towards this option.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Sage utilizes nylon, a classic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows for enhanced sound absorption, resulting in a mellower and more rounded sound while typing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass employs a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing as well. This blend provides a similar unique sound profile characterized by pleasant tones and brightness, creating a typing experience that is distinct from the Sage yet still enjoyable.

Although the Sage and Sea Glass switches differ in their housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. When pressing down on a Sage switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing become evident, resulting in a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, upon releasing a key, the impact on sound mainly comes from the top housing. Similarly, for the Sea Glass, the blend used in the bottom housing contributes to the overall sound and feel when keypresses are made, while the top housing has a more noticeable impact on the sound when keys are released. Therefore, although the materials differ, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall quality.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, several differences become apparent. The Kailh Sage has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, making it difficult to directly compare to the Durock Sea Glass. However, the Sage does have a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, both of which can be considered medium.

For those seeking a lighter typing experience that enables longer periods of comfortable typing, the Durock Sea Glass might be the preferred choice with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This would make it suitable for tasks such as bringing a keyboard to work or indulging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Kailh Sage, as its higher bottom out force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback.

While the actuation force for the Kailh Sage remains unknown, it is worth noting that both switches share a medium bottom out force. This means that if the actuation force of the Sage is similar to the Sea Glass, users can expect comparable results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see a slight difference in their lengths. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, it is worth noting that the Sea Glass provides a slightly deeper key press compared to the Sage. However, it is important to mention that both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance and will provide similar results. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a fractionally deeper key press is desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct and crunchy typing experience. This is a characteristic commonly associated with clicky switches, as they produce a sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is not provided. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Sage is described as invigorating and sharp. It offers a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass provides a frictionless typing experience. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. It features a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort during extended typing sessions.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sage provides a crunchy sound and an invigorating and sharp feel, the Sea Glass offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, a frictionless and effortless feel, and a gentle and comfortable typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing a switch, as the sound and feel can greatly impact the typing experience. Based on the available information, it is likely that the Kailh Sage clicky switch will provide a similar immersive typing experience to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, despite their different qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky typing experience with a heavier weight, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. The Sage switch offers a distinct clicky sound with its sharp and refreshing clickiness, and its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switch is the way to go. The Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating pastel colors and frictionless nature. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switch feels weightless and offers a uniquely hollow sound signature. Whether you are looking for a more invigorating and sharp tactile experience with the Sage or a frictionless and effortless typing feel with the Sea Glass, both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch depends on your desired typing experience and personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

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Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more