Durock Sea Glass vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Sunset Gleam both present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Sea Glass switches are celebrated for their aesthetic appeal, available in five pastel colors, and are designed with a proprietary material blend that offers a distinct dry and airy typing experience. With a lighter 62g bottom-out force, these switches deliver a smooth yet feathery sensation, complemented by a hollow sound signature that adds an interesting acoustic dimension to typing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, known for its satisfying auditory feedback, features a meticulously crafted blend of materials that produces a subtle top-out and an appealing clack, thanks in part to HMX's renowned factory lubrication. Both switches embody the linear switch category, yet they cater to distinctive tactile and auditory experiences, making them suitable for different user preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
Ly
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
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 Sunset Gleam, it becomes evident that the two switches employ unique material combinations that influence their sound profiles distinctly. The Sea Glass utilizes a polymer blend of nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which produces a sound that is pleasant but slightly bright without leaning towards harshness. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing known for its clarity and crispness. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall acoustic resonance of the switch, especially suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar but nuanced relationship between their materials. The Durock Sea Glass includes a polymer blend of nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, promoting a sound that is also pleasant but emphasizes a brighter tone. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam boasts a traditional nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer characteristics allow for greater sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and round sound. Thus, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which aids in generating a rich sound but diverge in terms of their top housings, leading to different auditory experiences.
Ultimately, while both the Durock Sea Glass and HMX Sunset Gleam utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the divergence in their top housing materials creates distinct sound profiles when the switches are engaged. Each switch’s design philosophy delivers a balance of properties: the brighter and more pleasant sound from the Sea Glass contrasts with the sharper and crisper tones of the Sunset Gleam. If users are looking for a similar auditory experience, they may find common ground in the nylon bottom housing's inherent qualities, which can soften and round out the sound profiles, making both switches appealing for different preferences without completely sacrificing the unique attributes of their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Sea Glass switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of just 48 grams. This indicates that while both switches are designed for linear feedback, the Sunset Gleam allows for a more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. Those who prefer a heftier touch will likely gravitate towards the Sea Glass, which offers a stronger push feel due to its higher forces. Ultimately, the Sea Glass is the heavier option, while the Sunset Gleam is lighter, providing distinct experiences for typists based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that the Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference means that if you select the Sea Glass switch, you will experience a deeper keypress, which can provide a more hearty feel, ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. In summary, if responsiveness is a priority, the Sunset Gleam may be the better choice, while the Durock Sea Glass is preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience due to its longer travel distance.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 linear switch is notable for its uniquely hollow sound signature, which gives it a distinctive acoustic profile that many users find appealing. This quality contributes to an overall airy auditory experience that can be quite pleasant during typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is characterized by a subtle top-out combined with a satisfying clack, giving it a more pronounced acoustic feedback. This blend of attributes creates a sound that, while still maintaining linear qualities, offers a bit more presence than the Sea Glass switches. However, it's important to keep in mind that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary depending on the specific keyboard setup and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switch excels with its frictionless, mild, and feathery characteristics, making it an incredibly smooth and lightweight option. Users can expect minimal resistance during keypresses, which effectively reduces finger fatigue, especially during extended usage. The switches facilitate a fluid typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and ease of use. In contrast, the specific feel characteristics of the Sunset Gleam remain unspecified, leaving potential users curious about its tactile experience.
To summarize, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a distinctively hollow sound and a wonderfully smooth typing experience characterized by its frictionless, mild, and feathery qualities. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam provides a satisfying clack and a potentially different feel, though specific details on its tactile experience are lacking. Both switches present their unique sound profiles, which can be influenced by the overall keyboard setup, while the Sea Glass stands out with its exceptional softness and ease of use. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could result in a most enjoyable typing experience, though the Sea Glass may cater more to those who seek a feather-light touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams that provides a unique blend of dry and airy feedback, along with a frictionless and smooth feel, the Sea Glass would be an excellent choice. Its distinctive hollow sound signature can also enhance the typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a subtler auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a light typing feel with a lower bottom-out force of 48 grams that allows for a more effortless interaction, the Sunset Gleam is likely the better option for you. With a satisfying clack and excellent factory lube, this switch accommodates both gaming and typing with ease, while providing a pleasant and responsive experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for force, sound, and overall feel, ensuring that your keyboard setup meets your specific typing or gaming needs.
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