Durock Sea Glass vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences for users, despite both being linear switches. The Sea Glass stands out with its delightful pastel aesthetics and a typing experience characterized by a unique airiness and smoothness, thanks to Durock's proprietary material blend. Weighing in at a 62g bottom-out force, these switches provide a surprisingly light feel, making typing effortless while emitting a hollow sound signature that adds a distinct charm to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight all-POM switch designed to prioritize both quality and affordability, delivering a thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Its exceptional smoothness ensures a satisfying typing experience, making it a strong contender for those on a budget without compromising on feel. While the Sea Glass offers a whimsical typing experience with its feathery touch, the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on a solid, rich sound that appeals to tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Sea Glass Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes evident that they are constructed from different materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both its top and bottom housings. This blend is described as offering an enjoyable sound profile that leans slightly brighter without being excessively sharp, providing a distinctive auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is renowned for creating a deeper, more muted sound. This variability in material between the two switches is essential in understanding how each switch behaves under usage.

The differences in sound profiles resulting from the unique housing materials contribute to the overall character of each switch. The Sea Glass's combination of nylon and UHMWPE is posited to yield a balanced sound that is both bright and pleasant, making it suitable for users who prefer a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback as they type. Conversely, the POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie lends itself to a sound that is more subdued, creating a warm, soft tone that is often favored in quieter environments or by those who seek a less intrusive acoustic experience. These tonal differences highlight the importance of material choice in switch design and its impact on user preference.

While the materials are different, a user may still achieve a balanced typing experience with either switch. The Sea Glass's unique blend is designed to enhance brightness in sound, specifically when keys are released, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's muted profile provides a comforting depth during keypresses. Therefore, if one were to employ a mixing technique in their keyboard layout, such as pairing switches from both setups, they could create a delightful synergy between the brightness of the Sea Glass and the subdued tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie. The duality in housing materials ultimately grants users the flexibility to tailor their keyboard experience based on personal preference and use case.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force reveal distinct characteristics suited for varying preferences. The Sea Glass switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, but interestingly, its bottom out force remains unknown. This indicates that while the Sea Salt Smoothie may require a bit more effort to actuate a keystroke, the lack of a defined bottom out force leaves some ambiguity in overall feedback and resistance during typing. Thus, for users seeking a lighter switch that is easier on the fingers during prolonged use, the Durock Sea Glass may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a firmer feel might find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie to be more appealing, though definitive conclusions about its push feel can't be drawn without the bottom out force data.

Travel distance

The Durock Sea Glass linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Between the two, the Sea Glass switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a marginally shorter travel distance, catering to those who seek quicker responsiveness, a common preference among gamers. The difference of just 0.1 mm signifies that while both switches provide an overall smooth experience, the Sea Glass may feel a bit more forgiving, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may offer a snappier actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value depth for a satisfying keystroke or a brisk response for rapid input.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Sea Glass switches are characterized by a uniquely hollow sound signature. This gives them a distinctive auditory quality that is light and airy, complementing their overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile, which resonates with a deeper, more solid tone during typing. This difference can significantly influence the overall experience for users who prefer a more pronounced sound with each keystroke or those who favor the lightweight and ethereal acoustics of the Sea Glass.

Regarding feel, the Sea Glass switches deliver an exceptional typing experience that is frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy to press. This combination creates a smooth and nearly effortless keypress, allowing for extended typing sessions without inducing finger fatigue. The switches’ light actuation force contributes to a fluid travel that many users find appealing for both work and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the specific characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are not detailed, but they are known for their exceptional smoothness and medium weight, suggesting they might strike a balance between stability and comfort, though likely lacking the same degree of lightweight sensitivity that the Sea Glass provides.

In summary, both the Durock Sea Glass and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Sea Glass stands out for its hollow sound and frictionless, easy-to-press nature, making it a comfortable option for long use. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a more robust auditory experience with its thocky sound, presenting a solid typing feel that balances quality and price. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a subtle, airy typing experience or a more grounded and pronounced one.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, the context of your typing needs and preferences plays a crucial role. If you appreciate a medium actuation force and are looking for a switch that combines a unique aesthetic with a distinct typing experience, the Sea Glass is an excellent choice. Its frictionless feel and airy sound signature cater perfectly to those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions, making it suitable for both casual users and those who engage in intensive writing or gaming marathons. Conversely, if you favor a more traditional thocky sound profile along with a smoother typing experience that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price, the Sea Salt Smoothie could serve you well. This switch's medium weight and POM material offer a reliable feel that can accommodate a range of typing habits; it's ideal if you want a satisfying auditory feedback without compromising on smoothness. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prioritize sound, feel, and the overall typing experience, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard feels just right for you.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more