Durock Sea Glass vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Sea Glass stands out for its captivating pastel colors and distinctive typing experience, characterized by dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and produce a uniquely hollow sound. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion is praised for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, balanced by a neutral sound signature. While the Sea Glass is described as frictionless and easy-to-press, the Thunder Shadow is invigorating with a harmonious tactile bump. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer different sound profiles and aesthetics. The Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant and bright sound, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's bottom housing shares the same blend as the top, offering a consistent sound profile throughout. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly affect the overall typing experience. The Sea Glass's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a balanced and bright sound profile for both the top and bottom housing. Conversely, the Thunder Shadow's dual housing materials offer varied sound profiles, with the polycarbonate top housing producing a sharper sound and the nylon bottom housing creating a deeper tone. This demonstrates how a combination of different materials can result in a diverse and customizable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Sea Glass and Aflion Thunder Shadow housing materials comes down to personal preference. While the Sea Glass offers a consistent sound profile throughout with its unique blend, the Thunder Shadow provides a more dynamic typing experience with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon. Both switches highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a switch, whether it be for a brighter, sharper sound or a deeper and fuller one. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, one noticeable difference is in the actuation force. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown. However, the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is lighter than the Thunder Shadow's bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making the Thunder Shadow the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. The Sea Glass provides a medium actuation and bottom out force, while the Thunder Shadow falls within the medium to medium-heavy range. These differences in force may appeal to different preferences, with some users favoring the lighter actuation and bottom out force for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more commonly preferred, especially by gamers seeking faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the Sea Glass may provide a slightly deeper experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the amount of feedback and depth desired in key presses.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that complements its balanced tactile experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Sea Glass offering a more distinct and airy typing experience, and the Thunder Shadow providing a more moderate and versatile sound suitable for various settings.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Glass linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, with a feathery and easy-to-press quality that minimizes finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation that creates an immersive typing experience. While the Sea Glass focuses on smoothness and lightness, the Thunder Shadow prioritizes tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, both the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer unique and appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a distinct and airy typing experience with a hollow sound signature, or a balanced tactile sensation with neutral sound profile, these switches cater to different preferences while providing a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a light, weightless feel and a unique hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump, medium weight feel, and a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow may better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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