Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Bamboo Green is praised for its clacky sound signature and sparkling tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin offers a silent operation, making it a great choice for quieter environments. The Dolphin also features a medium-heavy actuation force for a precise yet satisfying key press. While the Bamboo Green excels in providing a unique tactile feedback, the Dolphin stands out for its silent operation and balanced feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Dolphin both have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither too crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
Despite their differences, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green is similar to the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin in that they both offer a fuller sound profile. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin creates a deeper and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition absorbing more sound. This difference in material also affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of overall sound profile, the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Dolphin play a significant role in shaping the typing experience. While the Bamboo Green's PBT housing provides a neutral sound profile, the Dolphin's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. The bottom housing materials, whether PBT or nylon, also influence the sound and feel of the switches, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the PBT bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it is clear that the Bamboo Green is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Dolphin is the heavier option with an actuation force that is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, making them equally medium in terms of resistance. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green provides a lighter touch, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the unknown actuation force of the Dolphin may indicate a stronger push feel, suitable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience desired.
Travel distance
Comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, the Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dolphin has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Bamboo Green being on the longer side and the Dolphin on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Bamboo Green with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, while the Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance, both switches provide similar results in terms of keypress feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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
Overall, when comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, we can see distinct differences in both sound and feel. The Bamboo Green offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, with a sharp and crisp tactility that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is known for its muted and low-pitched sound, making it a quieter option suitable for office settings. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green boasts a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, providing a well-defined tactile bump with smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Durock Dolphin also offers a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but rest assured that both switches are of high quality and will deliver a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you prefer a switch with a crisp and sparkling tactility that produces a clacky sound, then the Bamboo Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a silent switch for an office setting or a workspace where noise levels matter, the Dolphin's muted sound profile may be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a substantial feel and medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin offers a satisfying press. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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