Kailh Box White vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch. The Box White is loved for its clicky nature, providing maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it perfect for office or noise-sensitive environments with its medium-heavy 62g actuation force for precision and satisfaction. While the Box White offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy typing experience, the Dolphin provides a polished, muted, and low-pitched feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and specific needs; 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Durock Dolphin both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switch housings. However, despite both switches using the same material for their top housings, slight variations in design and construction may result in subtle differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Box White and Dolphin switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer similar qualities with their nylon bottom housings, the way these materials interact with the rest of the switch components may lead to differing typing experiences.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Kailh Box White and Durock Dolphin switches results in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. Despite some similarities in housing materials, the overall design and construction of each switch may contribute to subtle differences in sound and feel during typing sessions.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Dolphin linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Box White at 60 grams and the Dolphin at 62 grams. The Box White may feel lighter to type on due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Dolphin's slightly higher bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers looking for fast response times. However, the Box White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Dolphin's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched clicky sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. The Dolphin switch offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the more pronounced click of the Box White.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box White and Durock Dolphin switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Box White switch also boasts an accented tactility, providing a satisfying press with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dolphin switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, balancing precision with a bit more resistance for those who prefer a switch with a substantial feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is best suited for those who desire maximum audio feedback, with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile coupled with an accented tactility. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is perfect for those seeking a silent typing experience in quiet environments, featuring a muted and low-pitched sound with a medium-heavy actuation force for precision typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and noise levels in different environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be a great choice. The high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with the accented tactility, makes typing on these switches a satisfying experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced click. On the other hand, if you are in need of a silent switch for a quieter workspace, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be the better option. The muted sound profile and smooth key travel of the Dolphins make them ideal for office environments or any situation where noise levels matter. Ultimately, your decision between the Box White and Dolphin switches will depend on your preference for either a clicky and tactile typing experience or a silent and smooth one.
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