TTC Bluish White vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Dolphin. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it perfect for quieter environments like offices. With a 62g actuation force, these switches offer a substantial feel and a polished, muted, low-pitched sound profile. While the Bluish White provides a tactile typing experience, the Dolphin offers a smooth linear 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bluish White and Durock Dolphin both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings results in a clear and resonant sound due to its stiff nature. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it is translucent. As a result, both switches offer a similar sound experience and visual appeal with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Bluish White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dolphin's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the polycarbonate top housing plays a significant role in the sound when letting go of a key, the nylon bottom housing greatly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in a slightly varied typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Bluish White and Durock Dolphin contributes to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While they both share the benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the Bluish White stands out with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. Whether considering the sound profile or typing feel, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it is clear that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Dolphin's actuation force is not specified, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it heavier in comparison. The lighter actuation force of the Bluish White may appeal to typists looking for a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Dolphin may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, the Bluish White has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Dolphin's 3.8 mm. The Bluish White offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Dolphin's longer travel distance provides a deeper key press experience, which may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, the Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched, snappy sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch produces a muted, low-pitched sound that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Bluish White being more vibrant and poppy, while the Dolphin delivers a subtle and minimalistic sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bluish White tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth, gentle, and refined typing experience with a balanced resistance. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by its polished feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for precise typing. While the Bluish White switch provides a more multifaceted typing sensation with various tactile qualities, the Dolphin switch focuses on delivering a consistent and polished keystroke experience. Both switches offer premium feels that cater to different typing preferences, whether it be a more nuanced tactile feedback or a smoother linear response.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch present distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch excels in providing a vibrant and tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, while the Dolphin switch prioritizes a polished and silent keystroke with minimal noise. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will boil down to personal preference, whether it be a preference for a more tactile and poppy typing experience or a quiet and smooth keystroke. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer high-quality performance and satisfaction to keyboard enthusiasts looking for premium mechanical switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise level. If you prefer a light and tactile switch with a satisfyingly poppy typing experience and low-pitched sound, the Bluish White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force, perfect for office environments and a more muted sound profile, the Dolphin could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences in feel, sound, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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