Durock Sea Glass vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX SU offer distinct experiences even though both are linear switches. The Sea Glass switches are celebrated for their vibrant pastel aesthetics and unique typing feel, characterized by a combination of dryness, wispiness, and weightlessness, which provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience. With a bottom-out force of 62g, they excel in delivering a mild and feathery touch that makes typing feel effortless. In contrast, the HMX SU switches offer a more robust typing experience with a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, producing a deep and subtle sound profile that appeals to users who prefer a richer auditory feedback while typing. While the Sea Glass focuses on a light and airy sensation, the HMX SU leans towards a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience. Both switches have their unique charms, catering to varying preferences in aesthetics, sound, and feel. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX SU switches, it is clear that each offers distinct auditory characteristics due to the differing compositions of their materials. The Sea Glass features a unique blend of polymer nylon with UHMWPE, which contributes to a sound profile that is described as pleasant with a slightly brighter tone. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes traditional nylon for its housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, which leads to a duller sound profile when compared to the sharper qualities produced by the Sea Glass's unique blend. This fundamental difference in material influences the overall auditory experience and key feel presented by each switch.
Examining the bottom housings of the two switches reveals a similar trend, where the Durock Sea Glass employs the same polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, while the HMX SU relies solely on nylon. As with the top housing, the Sea Glass's blend aims to create a balanced and brighter sound, whereas the All-nylon bottom housing of the HMX SU is designed to produce a more rounded sound profile. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect different tactile experiences depending on the switch selected. The HMX SU’s focus on a deeper sound may resonate better with users seeking a more muted auditory feedback upon keypresses.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches can yield favorable results depending on user preference. For example, while the HMX SU may cater more towards individuals who favor a subdued auditory experience, the Durock Sea Glass provides a relatively sharper tone. Users can manipulate this variance by understanding the roles that both the top and bottom housings play in the sound profile and feel of the switch. The Sea Glass’s unique polymer blend may offer a sound that is aesthetically pleasing for some, while others might prefer the classic nylon sound character that the HMX SU delivers. Thus, both switches can deliver high-quality performance but cater to differing sound preferences shaped by their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit notable differences in their bottom out forces, while sharing the same actuation force. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them comparable in terms of keypress sensitivity. However, the Sea Glass switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, compared to the HMX SU's lighter 50 grams. This difference means that while both switches will feel similar during the initial actuation, the Sea Glass will provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the HMX SU makes it more suitable for those who type for extended periods, as it can help reduce finger fatigue. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter feel and potentially easier typing sessions, the HMX SU is the better choice, while those wanting a weightier, more tactile feedback should opt for the Durock Sea Glass.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Sea Glass features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SU offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that those who favor a more substantial key feel may prefer the Sea Glass due to its longer travel distance, which provides a more pronounced feedback upon actuation. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the SU switch caters to gamers or users who prioritize quick responsiveness, allowing for faster key presses. Thus, the Durock Sea Glass switch is the longer option, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth, whereas the HMX SU switch, being the shorter of the two, suits individuals seeking rapid response times.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 switch presents a uniquely hollow sound signature that can catch the ear, lending a distinctive character to its auditory profile. The notable dryness and airiness contribute to this, making each keystroke feel slightly ethereal and light. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is described as having a subtle, relatively deep sound profile due to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This deeper tone may resonate a bit more when typing, giving a more pronounced auditory feedback than the Sea Glass, which promotes a gentler soundscape. However, keep in mind that the perception of these sounds can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can either enhance or dampen these qualities.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switch excels with its frictionless typing experience that minimizes resistance, creating an effortlessly smooth and fluid travel. The switch also leans towards a mild profile, making it approachable and suitable for extended typing sessions without overwhelming sensory feedback. This is further characterized by its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal effort to actuate, which significantly reduces finger fatigue. While details about the HMX SU linear switch's feel are not specified, the individual experiences with mechanical keyboards suggest that the Sea Glass’s combination of smoothness and lightness offers a more relaxed typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Sea Glass and HMX SU linear switches cater to different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Sea Glass stands out with its airy and unique sound signature, alongside a frictionless and light feel that promotes comfort during prolonged use. Meanwhile, the SU switch, with its deeper sound and possibly different tactile feedback, presents an alternative that might appeal to those looking for a slightly more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, for users wanting a serene and smooth typing experience, the Sea Glass is an excellent choice, while the SU may suit those who prefer a more robust auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium actuation force and a unique typing experience marked by a frictionless, airy feel combined with a distinctly hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch would be an excellent choice. Its versatility makes it suitable for both general typing and gaming, especially if you favor long sessions without the strain of a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a lower bottom-out force for effortless key presses, then the HMX SU switch may be the better option. Its subtle yet deep sound profile and overall easy-to-press nature cater to those seeking a gentle yet engaging typing experience. Therefore, consider your preferred typing style, sound preferences, and how much force you want to apply when making your choice between these two compelling switches.
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