Durock Sea Glass vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and HMX Swift both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Sea Glass presents a visually captivating series with pastel colors and a distinct typing experience characterized by dryness and airiness, despite its 62g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, complemented by a delicate 42g actuation force. While the Sea Glass is known for its frictionless and mild feel, the Swift provides a clacky and bouncy sensation. Both switches offer easy-to-press keys and a feathery touch, making them appealing choices for different typing 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Swift differ in terms of the blend used in the top housing. While the Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, the Swift is constructed with nylon. The Sea Glass's blend offers a sound profile that is described as bright and pleasant, while the Swift's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that is softer and absorbs more sound. This contrast in material results in distinct typing experiences for users depending on their preference for sound.
In the bottom housing aspect, both switches also showcase a difference in material composition. The Sea Glass utilizes its unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, while the Swift sticks to using nylon for its bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this difference translates to a variance in sound profiles. The Sea Glass's bottom housing contributes to a bright sound profile, while the Swift's nylon bottom housing leads to a duller and rounder sound. Users looking for a specific sound quality can choose between the two switches based on their housing material preference.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both the Sea Glass and the Swift offer unique typing experiences due to their housing material differences, giving users the opportunity to choose a switch that aligns with their sound profile preferences. Despite these differences, users can expect a similar level of quality and performance from both switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it becomes evident that the Sea Glass is slightly heavier than the Swift. The Sea Glass requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Sea Glass provides a medium resistance, while the Swift offers a lighter touch. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Sea Glass, while those who enjoy a lighter feel may opt for the Swift. Nonetheless, both switches offer a balanced typing experience and will produce similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Users should consider their preference for weight when choosing between these two switches, as it can significantly impact their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance category, with the Sea Glass being slightly shorter than the Swift. Gamers and those looking for faster response times may prefer the Sea Glass due to its shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass to be too abrupt and might prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Swift for a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feeling.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is known for its uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out with a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housing, offering a silky smooth sound accompaniment to typing. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, with the Sea Glass providing a hollow sound and the Swift offering a smoother, deeper tone.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, emphasizing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is also described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, delivering a light and comfortable typing feel with a smooth and buttery sensation. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, with the Sea Glass focusing on a smooth, frictionless feel and the Swift providing a bouncy and creamy sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sea Glass boasts a hollow sound signature and a frictionless typing experience, the Swift provides a deeper sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and keypress sensation, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can choose between the two switches to find the one that best suits their typing style. Overall, both switches offer smooth and comfortable typing experiences, albeit with different sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Sea Glass linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a distinct dry and weightless typing experience with a hollow sound profile, then the Sea Glass switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a silky smooth feel and deeper sound profile, then the Swift switches may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so take into account your typing habits and sound preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, you can be sure to enjoy a premium mechanical keyboard experience.
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