Durock Sea Glass vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads when choosing the perfect switch, and two stellar options are the Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Yunhai, both linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The Sea Glass switches charm with their captivating pastel aesthetics and a unique typing experience characterized by a dry, wispiness complemented by a feather-light feel that belies their 62g bottom-out force. Their frictionless action and hollow sound signature make for a smooth yet engaging typing journey, appealing to those who appreciate a gentle sensation and aesthetic appeal. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a distinctively deep, rounded sound profile with an incredibly light actuation force, providing typists with a seamless and effortless experience. Ideal for those who prioritize a pleasant auditory experience alongside a low-resistance feel, the Yunhai switches stand out as a strong alternative. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Yunhai switches, two distinct approaches to sound profile and material composition emerge. The Durock Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both its top and bottom housings. This blend is noted for its ability to create a pleasant sound profile that leans slightly brighter, offering a distinct auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai relies solely on traditional nylon for its top and bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic material in switch housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness not only contributes to a more muffled sound but also allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature when typing.
Despite their differences in material composition, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences but achieve their results through different auditory mechanisms. The Durock Sea Glass, with its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, may offer a brighter tonal quality, while the Yunhai’s nylon composition lends itself to a sound that is richer and more subdued. The variations in the housing materials fundamentally shape the characteristics of the switch—in the case of the Sea Glass, it emphasizes a clearer and slightly sharper sound upon release, while the Yunhai caters to a more rounded sound profile during key presses. As a result, users who prefer a sharper auditory feedback may favor the Sea Glass, while those inclined towards a deeper sound might find the Yunhai more suitable.
Ultimately, the clear distinctions between the two housing materials also highlight the impact each has on the overall sound profile when typing. Users looking for a balance between tactile feedback and acoustic quality will appreciate the nuances presented by the Durock Sea Glass, while those who value classic and established materials may lean toward the TTC Yunhai. By understanding the individual characteristics of the housing materials, users can select switches that best match their preferences. In scenarios where the materials are combined effectively, the qualities can be harmoniously balanced to deliver an experience that captures the strengths of both compositions, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the benefits of differing sound profiles without sacrificing the inherent pleasure of typing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, ranking it as a medium option, while the Yunhai is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Sea Glass requires a slightly stronger push to actuate, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Yunhai make it an excellent choice for those who favor a more effortless typing experience during extended use. Overall, the Sea Glass can be seen as the heavier switch, while the Yunhai is the lighter option, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Sea Glass measuring 3.8 mm and the Yunhai measuring 3.6 mm. In this comparison, the Sea Glass has the longer travel distance, which may provide a more tactile and hearty depth for users who prefer a more traditional feel. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Yunhai switch can offer a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor faster actuation. While both switches are designed to accommodate varying preferences in key feel, those who prioritize rapid responses might lean toward the Yunhai, while those seeking a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Sea Glass. Overall, the difference in travel distance between these two switches allows users to choose based on their specific typing or gaming needs.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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, the Durock Sea Glass switches present a uniquely hollow sound signature, which can create an airy auditory experience during typing. This characteristic might appeal to users who enjoy a lighter, more ethereal sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are known for their deep, rounded sound profile, delivering a richer acoustic experience. This distinction in sound profiles means that while both switches may provide pleasant auditory feedback, their overall tonality will cater to different preferences; those who favor a more pronounced, resonant sound may gravitate towards the Yunhai, while the Sea Glass will attract users who prefer a subtle, airy sound.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches shine with their frictionless, mild, and feathery qualities. This allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making them ideal for long typing sessions. Their gentle actuation and overall lightness contribute to a fluid travel that can make typing feel almost weightless. On the other hand, the specific feel attributes of the Yunhai switches are not detailed in the information provided, leaving uncertainty about their tactile feedback and characteristics. However, given that the Yunhai switches are noted for their incredibly light actuation force, it can be inferred that they also provide a comfortable typing experience, similar to the Sea Glass in terms of minimal resistance and ease of pressing.
In summary, while both the Durock Sea Glass and TTC Yunhai switches offer unique experiences, they appeal to different auditory and tactile sensibilities. The Sea Glass excels in providing a light, airy typing sound and a smooth, frictionless touch, making it suitable for those who appreciate subtlety in both sound and feel. The Yunhai, with its deep, rounded audio profile, offers a richer acoustic experience that may resonate more with users who prefer a fuller sound. Both switches, however, promise a light, effortless typing experience that minimizes fatigue, making them excellent choices for long hours of use. Ultimately, selecting between them should be guided by personal sound and feel preferences, but either choice will result in a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you are someone who enjoys a slightly heavier key press with a unique sound profile, the Sea Glass switch could be your ideal match. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying typing experience without feeling overly strenuous, while its frictionless and feathery characteristics make it a pleasant option for longer typing sessions. The distinct dryness and airy feel can also be quite appealing for those who prefer a more nuanced auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, if you favor a much lighter touch, the TTC Yunhai switch with its 50-gram bottom-out force will likely feel more comfortable and effortless. This makes it particularly suitable for users who appreciate a gentle actuation and a rounded, deeper sound profile, providing an engaging yet easy typing experience. Whether you gravitate towards the Sea Glass's unique tactile characteristics or the Yunhai's light, responsive touch, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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