Durock Sea Glass vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and Gazzew U4Tx RGB provide distinct choices tailored for different typing preferences. The Sea Glass switches, celebrated for their pastel colors and innovative material blend, offer a uniquely airy and smooth typing experience that is both light and enjoyable; with a bottom-out force of 62g, they allow for effortless keystrokes without compromising on feel, making them ideal for those who favor a gentle, linear switch. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience accompanied by a deep "thock" sound, combining the luxurious feel of a pronounced bump with a muted acoustic profile. This makes them a perfect pick for users who seek both feedback from their keystrokes and a quieter environment. Each switch caters to unique preferences—whether you value a lightweight and smooth typing experience or a refined tactile feedback with a rich sound signature. 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

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Sea Glass and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile characteristics. The Sea Glass features a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housings. This combination is noted for producing a sound profile that is generally pleasant, leaning towards a slightly brighter tone without being overly sharp. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is designed to create a rich, deep sound due to its inherent softness. This fundamental difference in materials results in contrasting auditory experiences when using the two switches, with the U4Tx RGB favoring a more mellow acoustic signature.

However, both switches share a similarity in that they possess specialized blends aimed at creating distinct sound profiles. While the Sea Glass blends emphasize a brighter sound, the Gazzew’s boba plastic allows for deeper resonance. The impact on sound is not limited to the housings alone; the character of each switch can still be somewhat harmonized when considering their overall construction. If a user prefers aspects of both switches, they might be able to achieve a satisfying result by combining the softer Gazzew blend with the brighter qualities of the Sea Glass through careful pairing of switches in a keyboard layout.

Lastly, it is essential to understand how the characteristics of the top and bottom housings influence the user experience. The bottom housing, whether it's the Sea Glass's nylon and UHMWPE or the Gazzew's boba plastic, plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing primarily affects the sound released during key release. This means that although the materials differ between the two models, both can be fine-tuned to achieve an enjoyable typing experience based on one’s preference for either a richer sound associated with the U4Tx RGB or a brighter, yet pleasant sound offered by the Sea Glass.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Glass features an actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a lighter touch that can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB does not specify an actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sea Glass's 62 grams. This suggests that while the U4Tx RGB may provide a more substantial typing experience at the bottoming out stage, the lack of a defined actuation force leaves its typing feel somewhat ambiguous. Consequently, the Sea Glass is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer keystroke, while the U4Tx RGB offers a heavier resistance at bottoming out, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push. Overall, the Sea Glass is better for prolonged use with less finger fatigue, whereas the U4Tx RGB may please users seeking a stronger tactile sensation.

Travel distance

The Durock Sea Glass linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you value a more pronounced feedback with a slightly deeper key press, the Sea Glass switch may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you prefer a quicker response time often favored by gamers, the U4Tx RGB switch, with its shorter travel distance, could suit your needs. Thus, for a more substantial typing experience, you’ll want to choose the Sea Glass, whereas for faster keystrokes, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go. In this case, the Sea Glass clearly has a longer travel distance by 0.2 mm, making it the more favorable choice for those who enjoy a deeper feel while typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Sea Glass switches create a uniquely hollow sound signature that sets them apart from other linear switches, contributing to a typing experience that resonates with a light, airy quality. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a sound profile characterized as muted and bassy. While the muted nature helps minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, the bassy quality provides a deeper, richer acoustic experience that can evoke the deep "thock" associated with certain tactile switches. Thus, while both switches present different auditory experiences, the Sea Glass tends toward a more ethereal sound, whereas the U4Tx RGB leans into a solid, bass-enhanced output.

In terms of feel, the Durock Sea Glass switches are known for their mild, feathery touch, making them exceptionally easy to press. Their 62g bottom-out force feels light and approachable, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that mitigates finger fatigue—a notable benefit for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches do not have a specific description provided but are known for their sharp tactile bump. This tactile feedback provides a distinct response that can aid typists in recognizing actuation points, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation during typing.

In conclusion, the Durock Sea Glass and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches deliver distinctive experiences in both sound and feel. The Sea Glass's airy and hollow acoustic signature, combined with its mild and lightweight feel, offers an effortless typing experience that many users will find enjoyable. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB cultivates a refined sound profile with its muted and bassy qualities while promising a luxurious tactile experience, even if specific characteristics are less defined. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer an airy linear switch or a tactile switch that emphasizes sound and feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a typing experience characterized by lightness and smoothness, and you're looking for a switch that feels effortless during extended sessions, the Sea Glass switch is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, combined with a feathery and mild touch, makes it conducive for prolonged typing without tiring your fingers, and its uniquely hollow sound signature adds an airy feel to your interactions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a pronounced bump and a deeper, richer sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch would be more suitable. At 65 grams of bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback while maintaining a muted, bassy sound profile that adds a certain luxury to your keystrokes. Therefore, your decision should align with whether you seek a smoother, more effortless typing experience or a tactile and resonant feedback that enhances your typing engagement.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more