Kailh Box White V2 vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two popular options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Dolphin. The Box White V2 is a clicky switch that excels in providing satisfying tactile feedback and an audible snapping sound, making it a favorite for typists and gamers who enjoy distinct auditory confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin is a linear switch characterized by its smooth operation and absence of noise, which makes it particularly well-suited for quieter office environments or shared workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a solid, substantial feel that appeals to those who appreciate a switch that requires a bit more resistance during typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing sound and tactile feedback and the other focusing on smoothness and silence—there's much more to consider when choosing the right switch for you. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Dolphin utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiff characteristics. This stiffness allows the switches to resonate sound more clearly, creating a vivid auditory experience for the user. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting setups, as it effectively diffuses light and creates vibrant visual effects. Consequently, both switches share a distinct sound characteristic and compatibility with RGB lighting, ensuring users will experience similar auditory and visual outcomes when using either switch.
In contrast to their matching polycarbonate top housings, the bottom housings of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Dolphin are made of nylon, a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. This differentiation between the top and bottom housing materials further enriches the overall sound profile, as the nylon bottom housing softens the impact when bottoming out on keystrokes, leading to a unique combination of sound and feel. With both switches employing a nylon bottom, users can expect a consistent sound dampening effect, which in turn provides a more pleasant typing experience.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Dolphin share similarities in their top housing materials, their design features enable them to deliver a balanced auditory experience when typing. The polycarbonate top ensures clarity and brightness in sound while the nylon bottom evokes warmth and depth. This harmonious integration of materials creates a uniquely satisfying sound dynamic that is consistent across both designs. Ultimately, users seeking distinct auditory experiences in their mechanical keyboards can feel confident in either option, understanding that the combination of materials works cohesively to produce the desired outcomes.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch present contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, while its bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating a soft landing. In contrast, the Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams but lacks specified actuation force data. This suggests it likely has a higher actuation force, contributing to a stronger tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a more substantial feel. Consequently, the Box White V2 is the lighter switch, appealing to those who value ease of typing, while the Dolphin is considered the heavier choice, suitable for users who favor a firmer push feel. Overall, the choice between them will depend on the user's preference for typing fatigue versus tactile satisfaction.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dolphin measures 3.8 mm. This means that the Dolphin has a longer travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for users who appreciate a deeper key press, offering a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Box White V2 is slightly shorter, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times during fast-paced gameplay. Although both are relatively close in travel distance, those favoring a more abrupt and responsive feel may prefer the Kailh Box White V2, whereas users who prefer that extra depth may lean towards the Durock Dolphin.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The sound produced by the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is characterized by a distinct and sharp audible click whenever a key is actuated. This click provides immediate auditory feedback, making it a satisfying choice for typists who appreciate a pronounced sound while they type. Conversely, the Durock Dolphin linear switch operates in silence, designed to minimize noise—a crucial advantage for those working in shared environments. Its muted sound profile results in a low-pitched tone that is soft and unobtrusive, allowing for a more subdued typing experience that won’t disturb others nearby. The stark contrast between these two switches highlights how sound preference can significantly influence one’s keyboard choice.
When it comes to tactile feedback and feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump that reinforces the clicky sound. This tactile response is engaging for typists who enjoy knowing precisely when a key has been actuated, but may not appeal to everyone due to the extra force required for actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switch provides a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, offering a solid yet smooth press without any tactile bump. The polished feel of the Dolphin ensures a refined and effortless key travel, making for an exceptionally comfortable typing experience that prioritizes fluidity over tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, users might find one feel more appealing than the other based on their typing style.
Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 and Durock Dolphin switches cater to distinctly different preferences in both sound and tactile feedback. The Box White V2 is an ideal choice for users who enjoy an audible, tactile typing experience that’s full of character and engagement. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in environments where quiet operation is paramount, offering a smooth, polished feel that ensures an efficient typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or a refined touch, but both can deliver fulfilling typing experiences tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Dolphin switches largely depends on your personal preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a light typing experience with distinct tactile feedback and an audible click, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially for typing or gaming where auditory cues enhance engagement. Its crisp clickiness can be particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a bit more character in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you need a switch that is quieter and smoother, particularly for an office setting or shared workspace, the Durock Dolphins shine with their muted sound profile and polished feel. The medium-weight actuation of the Dolphins provides a satisfying resistance that many find ideal for sustained typing sessions, allowing you to type accurately without the distracting noise typical of clicky switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the ambiance of your workspace; choose the Box White V2 for expressiveness and the Dolphins for a more refined, quieter experience.
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