Durock Sea Glass vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Sea Glass switches boast a delightful blend of pastel aesthetics and a typing experience defined by an airy, wispiness, providing a smooth yet distinctively hollow sound with a moderate 62g bottom-out force that still feels surprisingly weightless. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches prioritize tranquility, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that ensures a whisper-quiet keystroke, making them perfect for those who prefer a serene typing environment or need to minimize noise in shared spaces. While the Sea Glass brings a vibrant and smooth experience, the Silent Sakura delivers a subdued and gentle touch. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, distinct differences emerge that impact their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Sea Glass features a unique blend of polymer nylon and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for both its top and bottom housings. This combination is designed to produce a sound profile that leans slightly brighter without being overly sharp, offering a pleasing auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura utilizes classic nylon for its top housing, which is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic construction. This fundamental difference suggests that while both switches utilize nylon, the added UHMWPE in the Sea Glass may contribute to its brighter characteristics.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials highlight another layer of differentiation. The Sea Glass also employs the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, mirroring its top housing's approach and contributing similarly to its sound signature. The Silent Sakura, however, utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a sound profile that is sharp and clear, offering a more resonant auditory output. This difference indicates that while both switches may have similar methodologies in their top housing construction, their bottom housing elements diverge significantly, which can lead to varying sound experiences during key presses.
Ultimately, the interplay between these materials shapes their unique performance. The Sea Glass, with its unified blend of nylon and UHMWPE, provides a more consistent sound profile across the switch, balancing brightness and warmth. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s use of nylon and polycarbonate creates a contrast—offering a deeper sound on the way down and a sharper sound on release. Even though the Sea Glass shares similarities in top housing materials with the Silent Sakura, the unique contributions of each bottom housing material ultimately lead to different acoustic experiences, impacting both the feel and sound during use.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a heavier option overall. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that those who favor a lighter touch may find the Silent Sakura more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Sea Glass. Ultimately, the Sea Glass offers a medium actuation and heavier bottom out force, whereas the Silent Sakura provides a lighter experience, appealing to different user preferences in terms of feel and fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see a notable difference in travel distance that may influence user preference. The Sea Glass switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Sakura switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference might appeal to different types of users; the shorter 3.8 mm travel of the Sea Glass can provide a snappier response ideal for gamers who favor quicker key presses, while the 4 mm travel of the Silent Sakura caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation, potentially feeling more comfortable for standard typing. Therefore, if you prefer a more immediate feel, the Sea Glass would be the better choice, whereas the Silent Sakura could be ideal for those favoring deeper keystrokes.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Silent Sakura switches, notable distinctions emerge. The Sea Glass switch is characterized by a uniquely hollow sound signature, which can give an airy quality during typing. This isolation in sound lends itself to a more ethereal typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches are engineered for minimal noise, producing a typing sound likened to the gentle patter of raindrops. This whisper-quiet performance is particularly well-suited for environments where silence is paramount, making them ideal for office settings or late-night typers. Both switches emphasize a distinct auditory character shaped by their design, though they cater to vastly different preferences—clarity with a hollow tone versus soothing quietness.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches are praised for their frictionless, mild, and feathery characteristics. The design promotes an effortlessly smooth experience that minimizes any resistance when pressing the keys, making extended typing sessions comfortable and fatigue-free. This sensation is complemented by the switch's weightlessness, enhancing the overall typing fluidity. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura switches, with their lighter 43g bottom-out force, offer an easy-to-press experience that is similarly gentle. The combination of this ultra-light actuation and low resistance contributes to a soft, seamless feeling under the fingers. Together, both switch types emphasize ease and comfort, yet the Sea Glass leans slightly more towards a plush typing experience, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence.
In conclusion, both the Durock Sea Glass and HMX Silent Sakura switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Sea Glass impresses with its distinct hollow sound and featherlight, frictionless feel, ideal for those who appreciate a more airy typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura provides a serene, whisper-quiet atmosphere combined with a gentle typing sensation, making it suitable for quieter environments. Whether you're drawn to the unique auditory traits of the Sea Glass or the peaceful nature of the Silent Sakura, both switches promise a comfortable experience, with users ultimately finding satisfaction in their respective trademark features.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your choice will largely hinge on your priorities regarding sound, feel, and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience characterized by smoothness and a unique hollow sound signature, and if you prefer a medium switch that requires a moderate amount of force, the Sea Glass switch would likely be your best bet. Its frictionless and feathery feel can reduce finger fatigue over long typing sessions, making it perfect for those who type frequently or engage in extended gaming. On the other hand, if you desire a quieter typing experience, especially in shared workspaces or during late-night coding sessions, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for ultra-light typists who appreciate a soft and serene tactile feedback. Its light 43g bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice for those looking to type with minimal resistance and a whisper-quiet operation, all while delivering a comfortable overall experience. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your personal preferences in terms of switch weight, sound, and typing feel, ensuring that you derive the most satisfaction from your mechanical keyboard.
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