Durock Sea Glass vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Sea Glass switch series, offered by Durock, is a mesmerizing collection of pastel colors that immediately captures attention. What sets this switch apart is its distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, which provide a unique typing experience while maintaining an uncompromised level of smoothness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and effortlessly glide under your fingertips. Notably, these switches produce a uniquely hollow sound when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is renowned for offering a fast and precise typing experience. With a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, these tactile switches are perfect for those seeking a quick and effortless typing experience. The reduced travel distance of the Speed Silver allows for swift actuation, making it ideal for speedy typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Speed Silver switches provide contrasting sound profiles. The Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a pleasant and bright sound profile. The blend produces a sound that is not particularly sharp but still on the brighter side. On the other hand, the Speed Silver has a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, those seeking a switch with a brighter sound and enhanced RGB lighting effects may prefer the Sea Glass, while those desiring a sharper and more distinct sound might lean towards the Speed Silver.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Sea Glass utilizes the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, resulting in a similar pleasant and bright sound profile as the top housing. The blend provides a sound that is not particularly sharp but slightly on the brighter side. Conversely, the Speed Silver boasts a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for elicitating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound experience may find the nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver more to their liking, while those who appreciate a brighter sound profile would likely enjoy the Sea Glass's bottom housing.
When both the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, their qualities will be split between the top and bottom of the key. Pressing down on a switch will primarily showcase the qualities of the bottom housing, including the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced by the top housing. Consequently, users can expect the Durock Sea Glass to provide a consistent and pleasant sound profile throughout the typing experience, while the TTC Speed Silver may offer a noticeable distinction between the bottom-out and key-release sounds due to the contrasting housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role. The actuation force of both switches is the same, at 45 grams, providing a consistent initial resistance for triggering keystrokes. This similarity ensures that users can expect comparable results when typing on either switch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a difference. The Durock Sea Glass requires a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a slightly heavier feel for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. The difference in bottom out force allows users to choose between a heavier or lighter typing experience based on their personal preferences. Ultimately, weight preference becomes a significant factor when selecting a switch, with lighter options providing longer typing comfort and heavier options offering a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances than the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the TTC Speed Silver switch with its slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, as it allows for faster response times in gaming. On the other hand, some individuals may find the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass switch to provide a deeper and more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the TTC Speed Silver offering a quicker response time, while the longer travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass provides a more substantial key press.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Durock Sea Glass and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer different experiences. The Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature, giving a more airy and distinct typing sound. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. While the specific sound qualities of the Speed Silver switches are not mentioned, they are stated to be suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a hollow and distinct sound, the Sea Glass switches would be the preferable choice.
In terms of feel, both the Sea Glass and Speed Silver switches offer a mild typing experience. The Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. They also have a feathery and easy-to-press feel, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Speed Silver switches are also described as having a mild typing experience, offering a safe middle-ground zone for sound and feel. The specifically mentioned characteristic of the Speed Silver switches is that they have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, both the Sea Glass and Speed Silver switches would fulfill your preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Sea Glass and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sea Glass switches have a unique hollow sound signature, the specific sound qualities of the Speed Silver switches are not mentioned. In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild typing experience, with the Sea Glass switches being described as frictionless, feathery, and easy-to-press, while the Speed Silver switches have a polished finish for smooth key travel. If you are looking for a distinct sound and a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Sea Glass switches would be a great choice. However, if you prioritize a safe middle-ground typing experience, the Speed Silver switches would be a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a distinct typing experience with a dry, wispiness, and airiness, along with a weightless feel and hollow sound signature, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the better choice for you. These switches offer a frictionless and smooth typing experience, ensuring effortless key presses. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, then the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. These switches have reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. Both switches have a mild typing feel, making them approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience and the specific qualities that each switch offers.
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