Durock Sea Glass vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both linear switches that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Sea Glass switches are recognized for their captivating pastel colors and a typing experience that is characterized by a distinct dryness and lightness, all while maintaining a smooth keystroke due to their proprietary material blend. With a bottom-out force of 62g, the Sea Glass switches offer a feathery and frictionless feel, making them ideal for those who favor a softer touch without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches deliver a more pronounced tactile presence, thanks to their PA12 top housing that provides softer acoustics and a POM stem designed for a crisp sound profile. While the Sea Glass is celebrated for its airy typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel with higher-pitched resonance. With such distinct characteristics, each switch appeals to specific typists and gamers alike. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), notable differences emerge, particularly in their construction and resultant sound profiles. The Sea Glass employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) for both its top and bottom housing. This combination yields a sound that is characterized as "pleasant," noted for being slightly brighter yet not sharp. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilises classic nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience compared to the Sea Glass's distinctive brightness.
While both switches employ nylon in their housing construction, the integration of UHMWPE in the Durock Sea Glass introduces an element of innovation that sets it apart. The nylon in the Xinhai (Heavy) is described as a traditional switch housing material, prized for its acoustic properties; however, it lacks the blend offered by the Sea Glass, which strives for a more nuanced sound experience. As such, when typing on switches from these two brands, the user would experience a clear distinction: the Sea Glass aims for a unique aesthetic in sound while maintaining a pleasant typing experience, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a classic, fuller sound due to the properties of pure nylon.
Ultimately, the differences in material properties will shape the overall sound and feel of the switches. In scenarios where top and bottom housing materials differ, the qualities of each are distinctly felt through the typing experience: the bottom housing’s material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the release sound. Therefore, despite both employing nylon, the resulting auditory and tactile experiences will vary significantly based on the materials selected—each tailored to evoke unique sensations. Users could transpose similar results if they seek a hybrid experience; leaning toward the Durock Sea Glass for a more invigorating auditory response or engaging with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) for a grounding, classic feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer less resistance during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel. Both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces, with the Sea Glass at 62 grams and the Xinhai at 62.5 grams, indicating that once fully pressed down, they provide a comparable resistance. Overall, while both offer a medium bottom out experience, the Sea Glass is lighter in actuation force, allowing for easier key presses, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a firmer feel with a slightly higher force required to activate the key.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Sea Glass switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Sea Glass provides a deeper keypress, which some users might prefer for its more pronounced feedback, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Ultimately, those who favor a more pronounced keypress should opt for the Durock Sea Glass, while those who prioritize responsiveness might choose the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) for its quicker travel.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound profile, the Durock Sea Glass switches present a uniquely hollow sound signature that resonates with a distinct dryness and airiness. This auditory quality, crafted due to their proprietary material blend, offers an engaging typing experience that might be perceived as lighter compared to more substantial switches. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch aims for a softer acoustics profile thanks to its PA12 top housing, resulting in a crisp, higher-pitched resonance produced by a POM stem. This combination enables the Xinhai to deliver a sophisticated and precise sound that is less pronounced than some of its counterparts, making it suitable for those who prefer a more nuanced auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches provide their distinctive sound characteristics, the Sea Glass tends to be hollower and airier, whereas the Xinhai has a sharper and more refined acoustic quality.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switch is characterized as frictionless, mild, and feathery, leading to a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. This fluid travel makes it ideal for long typing sessions, as the light weight and easy-to-press nature of the switches contribute to reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, details on the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch are currently unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, if the Xinhai maintains the reputation of linear switches, it might still offer a responsive and enjoyable typing experience, albeit potentially with a heavier actuation force given its designation as "Heavy."
In conclusion, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch excels in its light, airy, and frictionless typing experience with a distinctly hollow sound, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) showcases a more refined acoustic profile that leans towards subtle sophistication. The Sea Glass is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize smoothness and ease during typing, while the characteristics of the Xinhai remain unclear, especially regarding its tactile feedback. Depending on one's preferences, if you lean toward a light-feeling switch with an airy sound, the Sea Glass might be the better choice, whereas you might want to explore more about the Xinhai for a potentially different, heavier experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you seek a lightweight switch that offers a whimsical typing experience characterized by its frictionless, feathery feel and hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for casual typing or long gaming sessions, where comfort and a gentle touch are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier switch that combines precise performance with a more pronounced acoustic profile, then the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) should be your go-to. With its slightly higher bottom-out force, this switch is designed for those who value subtle sophistication and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance in their keystrokes. In the end, your choice should reflect the typing dynamics that resonate with you most, allowing for a personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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