Durock Sea Glass vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Durock Sea Glass and the Durock T1, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for a personalized typing experience. The Sea Glass switch series by Durock showcases a captivating selection of five pastel colors, making it an instant favorite. Its proprietary material blend imbues a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness to the typing experience, while maintaining uncompromised smoothness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches surprise users with their weightlessness and frictionless nature. Additionally, typing on the Sea Glass switches results in a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the T1 switch offers superior comfort during typing sessions. Its medium bump and the sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window create a soothing experience. Categorized as stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished, the T1 switch provides a tactile feedback that adds precision and satisfaction to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Durock T1 offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both its top and bottom housing. This unique blend results in a pleasant sound profile that is not overly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. On the other hand, the T1 features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, both the Sea Glass and T1 offer visually appealing options with their unique housing materials.
While the bottom housing of the Sea Glass and T1 varies, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When typing on the Sea Glass, the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing contributes to a brighter and slightly sharper sound profile. In contrast, the T1's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound experience - the Sea Glass for a brighter tone and the T1 for a deeper and more resonant sound.
Both switches, however, share similarities in their top housings. The Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend used in the Sea Glass and the polycarbonate of the T1 both contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile. Though they may differ in the exact characteristics, these housing materials are known for their ability to enhance sound clarity. Additionally, their translucent nature allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when opting for either the Sea Glass or the T1.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Starting with the actuation force, the Sea Glass requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact value for the T1 is unknown. However, both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Sea Glass requires 62 grams of force for a full press, whereas the T1 has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight is a crucial factor for switch selection, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Sea Glass more suitable. Its lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, be it for work or extended gaming. On the other hand, those who desire a more robust and substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the T1. The T1's slightly higher bottom out force provides a stronger push, enhancing the overall tactile experience. It is worth noting that although the actuation force for the T1 is unspecified, it could potentially yield similar results to the Sea Glass if it aligns with or falls below the 45-gram mark.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Sea Glass is lighter, both switches have a medium categorization. The bottom out force of the T1 is slightly heavier, making it a suitable choice for individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keyboard usage and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch to the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is clear that the Sea Glass has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, opting for the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance would be ideal. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key may find the longer travel distance of the T1 more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch provides a distinct typing experience with a dry, wispy, and airy feel. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and smooth to type on, offering a frictionless experience. In terms of sound, these switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump sensation. The sound of the T1 switch is described as low-pitched, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The Sea Glass switch stands out for its smoothness and weightlessness, while the T1 switch provides a comfortable and tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, although the T1 provides more tactile feedback compared to the linear Sea Glass switch. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences for the type of switch feel and sound desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with a distinct dryness and weightlessness, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a frictionless and feathery feel, making them extremely smooth and effortless to type on. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they provide a fluid travel and minimal resistance, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature.
On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a medium tactile bump, the Durock T1 tactile switch is the better choice. With a bottom-out force of 67g, they offer a stepped feel, providing a mild tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. These switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The sound of the T1 switches is described as low-pitched, resembling the sound of rain falling on a window.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch depends on your personal preference for typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness, weightlessness, and a unique sound signature, go for the Sea Glass switches. However, if comfort and a medium tactile bump are more important to you, opt for the T1 switches. Consider your typing style, preferences, and intended use to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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