Durock Sea Glass vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and Bsun Tomcat offer distinct but appealing experiences for enthusiasts looking to elevate their typing game. The Sea Glass switches are celebrated for their pastel color options and a typing experience that boasts a unique blend of dry, wispiness and airiness, while still maintaining a pleasing smoothness. With a bottom-out force of 62g, they provide a sensation of weightlessness, making them desirable for users who prioritize a light touch and a gentle auditory feedback characterized by a hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches are lauded for their Ly stems, which yield an exceptionally smooth feel and a resonant sound profile that many find satisfying. Both switches enable a linear experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. Selecting between these two can hinge on factors like aesthetics and sound profile; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Sea Glass Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Sea Glass and the Bsun Tomcat utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for users. The Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which is described as not overly sharp but leaning toward a brighter sound profile. In contrast, the Tomcat employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the Tomcat also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, providing a visually captivating aesthetic that is less prominent in the Sea Glass. While both materials serve the purpose of housing the switch mechanisms, their inherent properties lead to different acoustic experiences that cater to distinct user preferences.

When examining the bottom housing, the Sea Glass again stands out with its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which results in a sound profile characterized as pleasant and slightly brighter, similar to its top counterpart. The Tomcat, on the other hand, features classic nylon for its bottom housing, a material recognized for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon’s softer nature, which tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience. Consequently, while both bottom housings utilize nylon, the overall auditory impact differs due to the interplay of materials in the switch's design, making it essential for users to consider both components when choosing their ideal switch.

In essence, while both the Durock Sea Glass and the Bsun Tomcat employ nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in their top housings significantly influence their overall sound profiles and tactile responses. If a user seeks to achieve similar auditory results regardless of the switch, understanding each housing's qualities and selecting a combination that balances both brightness and depth is key. For instance, pairing a switch with bright top housing (like polycarbonate) with a softer bottom housing (like nylon) can create a harmonious blend that aims to capture the best of both worlds. Therefore, while both switches offer unique characteristics, they also present opportunities for users to achieve tailored experiences through careful selection of combinations.

Weight

The Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a similar keystroke triggering experience with both switches. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Sea Glass switch measuring 62 grams and the Tomcat switch at a lighter 54 grams. This difference suggests that while both switches require the same initial force to actuate, the Sea Glass provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out, catering to those who appreciate a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat offers a softer landing, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter touch overall. Therefore, for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Tomcat may be more comfortable, whereas the Sea Glass could appeal to those seeking a more robust and tactile feel. Overall, while the actuation forces are aligned, the differences in bottom out forces could influence a user's choice based on their preference for weight and typing feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Sea Glass comes in at 3.8 mm while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This slight difference makes the Sea Glass the longer travel option, offering a depth of 0.2 mm more than the Tomcat. For users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and may prefer a hearty depth for comfortable typing, the Sea Glass would likely be the better choice. Conversely, the Tomcat's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quick, responsive keystrokes, as shorter distances can facilitate faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for key depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds to the typing experience, giving it a certain airy quality that complements their overall feel. This sound profile, combined with their material composition, contributes to a distinct auditory experience that stands apart from more traditional switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches are characterized by a resonant sound profile, which might be more robust and pronounced given their design. This resonance can offer a more satisfying auditory feedback while typing, especially for those who appreciate a richer sound.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Sea Glass switches provide a mild, feathery touch that makes them exceptionally easy to press. They require minimal effort to activate, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions. This gentle and approachable feeling makes them suitable for various activities, whether gaming, studying, or working. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Tomcat switches remains unspecified, leaving an unknown as to how they compare directly to the Sea Glass in terms of tactile sensation.

In conclusion, the Sea Glass switches from Durock offer an airy and hollow auditory quality, combined with a notably light and effortless typing feel, making them ideal for users seeking comfort and a gentle experience. In contrast, the Tomcat switches promise a resonant sound signature but lack detailed information on their tactile characteristics. While both switches may cater to different preferences, the unique attributes of the Sea Glass ensure that users who prioritize lightness and a distinct sound will find them particularly appealing. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on whether one prefers the Sea Glass’s lightweight feel and hollow sound or is curious about the Tomcat’s resonant auditory feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Sea Glass and Bsun Tomcat linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a medium-weight switch with a unique sound profile that feels airy and light, the Sea Glass would be an excellent choice. Its 62g bottom-out force provides a balanced typing experience, while the distinct dryness and wispiness of the key presses make it particularly enjoyable for both casual typing and extended use. This might suit you well if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel combined with smooth actuation and a hollow sound signature that adds character to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel that reduces finger fatigue, the Tomcat with its 54g bottom-out force could be preferable. The Tomcat's Ly stems deliver exceptional smoothness alongside a resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who value responsiveness and effortlessness in their key presses. If you tend to type for long periods or engage in gaming sessions that require rapid key presses, this switch could be your best bet due to its easy-to-press nature. Ultimately, consider your personal comfort, aesthetic preferences, and the kind of typing experience you seek to determine which switch aligns best with your style.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more