Durock Sea Glass vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Sea Glass and Gateron Smoothie Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for typing enthusiasts. The Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend, providing a distinct dry, wispy, and airy typing experience while remaining smooth. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Sea Glass offers a weightless feel with a hollow sound signature, the Smoothie Silver delivers a fast and responsive typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Sea Glass and Gateron Smoothie Silver both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter sound profile that is not too sharp, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Sea Glass's blend also contributes to a brighter sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing adds to the deeper and more muted sound profile. Overall, the top and bottom housings of both switches play a role in determining the sound experience when typing.
While the housing materials of the Sea Glass and Smoothie Silver differ, they both aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound profile. The Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a sound that is described as bright and pleasant, while the Smoothie Silver's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by offering innovative housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a brighter sound or a deeper tone, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
The impact of the housing materials on the sound profile of the switches can be felt differently depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Sea Glass's top housing and the POM material in the Smoothie Silver's top housing will affect the sound you hear when typing on these switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Sea Glass switch slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. For those who prefer a lighter feel to type for extended periods, the Smoothie Silver might be a better option. On the other hand, users who seek a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Sea Glass due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. The Sea Glass switch offers a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers for faster input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and whether a shorter or longer distance is more suitable for individual typing or gaming needs.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is known for its uniquely hollow sound signature, which adds a distinct auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch boasts a thocky sound, providing a different, but equally satisfying, sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is often described as frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a mild and feathery touch. These attributes make typing on Sea Glass switches comfortable for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, making it ideal for quick and precise actuations. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Sea Glass offering a slightly lighter feel compared to the Smoothie Silver.
In conclusion, both the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Sea Glass switch provides a frictionless feel with a distinct hollow sound, the Smoothie Silver switch offers unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or a particular feel during typing. Regardless of your decision, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique and weightless typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the Sea Glass switches with their 62g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switches with their unknown bottom-out force could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and key features.
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