Durock Sea Glass vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Sea Glass switches shine with their captivating pastel colors and a unique typing experience characterized by a blend of dryness, wispiness, and airiness. This, coupled with their 62g bottom-out force, delivers a smooth yet weightless keypress that is both enjoyable and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches produce a pleasantly hollow sound signature, enhancing the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are celebrated for their Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience accompanied by a resonant sound profile that adds a rich auditory dimension to each keystroke. While the Sea Glass focuses on a lighter, almost ethereal feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) leans towards a more robust and impactful typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Sea Glass Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), we can observe distinct differences in the materials used and how they influence the sound profiles of the switches. The Sea Glass switch features a top housing made from a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which is noted for producing a pleasing sound that is bright without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its more resonant and clear qualities; this makes it particularly effective for applications that employ RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material beautifully showcases the lighting effects.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals another layer of contrast. The Sea Glass switch's bottom housing is also constructed from a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, mirroring its top housing’s attributes and thereby providing a similar bright sound profile that is pleasing to the ear. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a classic nylon bottom housing, known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound that is more rounded and subdued due to nylon's softer nature. This difference in bottom housing material means that the Tomcat will have a more muted bottom-out sound, while the Sea Glass will retain a brighter quality even in its lower register.

Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Sea Glass and Tomcat (Heavy) switches display variations in materials and resulting sound profiles, both can engineer a satisfying typing experience by harmonizing their respective characteristics. The Sea Glass achieves a balanced and bright sound through its consistent material use across both sections, while the Tomcat (Heavy) benefits from the hard sharpness of polycarbonate in the top coupled with the softer nylon in the bottom to create a rich, full sound that is distinctly different. Together, these elements contribute to how sound feels in each switch—whether it's the richly rounded sound of the Tomcat (Heavy) or the bright clarity of the Sea Glass.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Glass features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, positioning it in the medium range. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch. This means that the Tomcat will provide a more substantial push feel for users who prefer a firmer typing experience, making it better suited for those who enjoy a heavier key press. In contrast, the lighter Sea Glass might be more appealing to users seeking comfort during long typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Sea Glass is the better choice, while the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a stronger actuation force. Both options deliver similar bottom out forces, with only slight differences, suggesting that users may achieve reasonably comparable experiences in the full range of motion despite the variance in actuation forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it becomes evident that the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures at 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall typing experience. For those who favor responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing, especially for gaming purposes. Conversely, the Sea Glass switch offers a deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt while typing. In summary, if you prioritize quicker response times, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better choice, while those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might opt for the Sea Glass switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Sea Glass switches are characterized by a uniquely hollow sound signature, which lends itself to a distinct, airy typing experience. This sound may feel a bit subdued and dry, aligning with the overall character of the switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches produce a more resonant sound profile, adding a certain richness that can enhance the auditory feedback during typing. While both switches offer a distinctive acoustic experience, the differences in sound can largely be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices you pair them with, so customization plays a key role in achieving your desired auditory outcome.

When it comes to feel, the Sea Glass switches are designed to deliver a frictionless, mild, and feathery typing experience. This combination offers smooth and effortless key presses that minimize resistance, making them accessible for extended use without causing finger fatigue. The easy-to-press nature of the Sea Glass switches further enhances comfort, making them suitable for various tasks like gaming or typing. In contrast, information regarding the tactile feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches is unknown. Without specific descriptors for their feel, it’s challenging to draw a direct comparison, but the name "Heavy" suggests a firmer typing experience, which could contrast significantly with the light and airy quality of the Sea Glass switches.

In conclusion, both the Durock Sea Glass and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities tailored for different preferences. The Sea Glass excels in creating a light, airy sound and an incredibly smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for a gentle and comfortable feel. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) introduces a resonant sound profile, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory richness. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lightweight and effortless typing experience or a potentially more substantial and resonant audio feedback.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy a unique, airy typing experience, the Sea Glass switch is an excellent option with its 62g bottom-out force and frictionless feel. Its distinct sound profile adds a hollow resonance that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, making it a great choice for long sessions of work or casual typing where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel with a bit more resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its 64g bottom-out force, offers a firm typing experience characterized by its super smooth Ly stems and resonant sound profile. This makes it well-suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced switch feedback during intense gaming or quick typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard and the typing characteristics that resonate most with your style.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more