Durock Sea Glass vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Sea Glass and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Sea Glass switch series by Durock is known for its captivating selection of five pastel colors, making it visually appealing. Typing on the Sea Glass switches provides a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, but without compromising on smoothness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel surprisingly weightless, giving them a frictionless nature. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon by KTT showcases what a linear switch can truly be. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, typing on these switches becomes a buttery smooth experience. They are characterized by a low-pitched sound, neutral feel, and mild actuation force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Sea Glass's top housing, made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, produces a pleasant and bright sound without being overly sharp. This unique blend provides a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. Despite the differences, both switches offer pleasing sound profiles while providing their own unique characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend contributes to a brighter sound profile without being overly sharp. This blend creates a balanced and pleasant typing experience, matching the qualities of the top housing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in material leads to slightly varying sound profiles and tactile experiences between the two switches.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The impact and sound produced during bottoming out are influenced more by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Therefore, despite having different housing materials, both the Sea Glass and Sea Salt Lemon switches offer satisfying typing experiences as the unique characteristics of their respective top and bottom housings come together.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that they have some similarities in terms of actuation force. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users. This similarity suggests that individuals looking for a lighter typing experience will obtain similar results from both switches.
However, the bottom out force of these switches differs. The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial push feel during typing. This can be appealing for users seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, making it lighter in comparison. This lighter bottom out force can be advantageous for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and allows for longer periods of comfortable use.
Considering weight is essential while choosing a switch, as it directly impacts the typing experience. Some individuals may opt for a lighter switch to facilitate longer typing sessions, such as those needed in a workplace or during extended gaming sessions. Others may prefer a heavier switch to provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Sea Glass and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch will depend on the individual's preference for force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch with its slightly shorter 3.8 mm travel distance would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with its 4 mm travel distance would provide a deeper experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key depth.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 Sea Glass switches from Durock provide a uniquely hollow sound signature. The proprietary material blend used in these switches creates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in the typing experience. While the sound is not explicitly described, the combination of the dryness and hollow sound signature suggests that the Sea Glass switches may have a lighter and more airy sound compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches from KTT are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they tend to produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Sea Salt Lemon switches are also described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of situations and preferences. However, 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. Therefore, the choice of these factors could potentially affect the sound produced by both switches.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches offer a frictionless and smooth typing experience. This indicates that these switches have minimal resistance and friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel. The Sea Glass switches are also described as having mild characteristics, meaning that they provide a gentle and approachable typing experience. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches are described as feathery, meaning they require little exertion and have a light actuation force. This makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions, such as for gaming, school, or work. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are also described as having mild characteristics. This suggests that they offer a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Durock Sea Glass and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have their own unique qualities. The Sea Glass switches are known for their distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in sound, as well as their frictionless and feathery feel. The Sea Salt Lemon switches, on the other hand, are characterized by their low-pitched sound profile and mild typing experience. While the specific sound qualities of the Sea Glass switches have not been explicitly stated, they are likely to provide a lighter and more airy sound compared to the low-pitched and mellow tone of the Sea Salt Lemon switches. In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and captivating switch with a distinct typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a great choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, you can expect a weightless and frictionless typing experience that defies expectations. The Sea Glass switches offer a smooth and effortless feel, thanks to their frictionless nature, and emit a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a lighter touch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. In terms of sound, the Sea Glass has its own distinct sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Sea Glass and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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