Keygeek Briny vs. Durock Dolphin

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right linear switches for your mechanical keyboard, the Keygeek Briny and Durock Dolphin each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile, making it suitable for users who appreciate both auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin excels in silent operation, making them an excellent choice for office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a substantial feel that expertly balances precision and satisfying resistance for a more deliberate typing experience. While both switches fall under the category of linear switches, their distinct characteristics may sway your preference depending on your typing environment and desired feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Durock Dolphin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Dolphin, notable distinctions arise primarily in their top housing materials. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is revered for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's characteristic softness, allowing it to absorb sound effectively and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. Contrastingly, the Dolphin employs a polycarbonate top housing that lends itself to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The increased stiffness of polycarbonate facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency and enhanced aesthetic qualities. Thus, while both switches can deliver an impressive typing experience, the Briny compensates with warmth and depth, while the Dolphin excels in clarity and brightness.

Interestingly, both switches converge in their choice of bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This shared material contributes similarly to the overall sound profile by absorbing sound and delivering that rich, full impact associated with softer plastics. Thus, when typing on either switch, the experience primarily influenced by the nylon bottom housing will manifest in a consistent overall feel and response. Given that nylon dampens sound, the typing experience on both switches will be defined by a rounded and smooth transition that resonates through each keypress.

Ultimately, while the housing materials diverge at the top, they unify at the bottom, creating a unique layering of sound characteristics based on the different top materials. For users who prioritize a deep acoustic profile may lean toward the Briny with its nylon top, whereas those preferring a higher-pitched, clearer sound may opt for the Dolphin's polycarbonate top. However, the nylon bottom of both switches ensures that, regardless of the top housing material chosen, the tactile feedback remains consistent and enjoyable. This interplay between the materials exemplifies how different housing types can effectively balance a switch's sound profile, leading to an individualized typing experience shaped by the specific preferences of the user.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams, allowing it to provide a moderate typing experience suitable for extended use without excessive strain. In contrast, the Dolphin's actuation force is not specified, making it difficult to assess its responsiveness directly. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Briny at 60 grams and the Dolphin at 62 grams, suggesting that they will feel quite similar when fully pressed down. Overall, the Briny is the lighter option based on its specified actuation force, while the Dolphin, despite having a slightly higher bottom out force, may offer a different tactile sensation due to its unknown actuation force. As a result, users seeking a lighter touch will likely prefer the Briny, while those favoring a stronger resistance may find the Dolphin more appealing, once its actuation force is clarified.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Dolphin boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. As the shorter option, the Briny could be more appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Dolphin's longer distance might resonate with users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback or a "hearty depth" when pressing keys. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for response time versus tactile feedback, maintaining the trend of shorter travel distances that many gamers seek today.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, providing a pleasing auditory experience that avoids extremes—neither overly loud nor completely silent, making it a well-rounded option for various scenarios. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is specifically designed as a muted switch, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to its clackier counterparts. The Dolphin’s low-pitched tone lends it a bass-heavy quality that further reduces noise, making it particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces. While both switches will deliver a unique auditory experience, the Dolphin prioritizes silence while the Briny aims for a more neutral sound.

In terms of feel, the Briny’s characteristics are less defined, leaving an air of mystery surrounding its tactile qualities. However, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by a polished feel; this suggests that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction due to either the materials used or factory lubrication. The Dolphin's medium-heavy actuation force of 62g gives it a substantial presence, making typing precise yet satisfying for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Without specific details about the Briny’s feel, it’s challenging to draw direct comparisons, yet it may offer a distinct typing experience based on its balanced sound characteristics.

In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Dolphin linear switches have their appealing attributes, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Briny stands out with its balanced sound profile, suitable for diverse environments, while the Dolphin excels in offering a muted, low-pitched auditory experience ideal for noise-sensitive areas. The feel of the Dolphin is polished and substantial, whereas the specific tactile qualities of the Briny remain unspecified. Ultimately, if you value silence and smooth typing, then the Dolphin might be the right choice; if you prefer something more versatile with an engaging sound, the Briny could be a better fit. You can expect similar results with both switches if noise reduction is a priority, with the Dolphin leading in that regard while the Briny offers a neutral sound experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Dolphin linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you're looking for a balanced sound profile and a satisfying typing experience without the concern for noise, the Briny is an excellent choice. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a comfortable yet responsive feel suitable for diverse tasks, making it ideal for gaming, casual typing, or even some creative work. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, particularly in shared or office environments, you’ll want to lean towards the Durock Dolphin switches. Their muted sound profile and polished feel not only minimize distractions but also provide a slightly heavier actuation force of 62 grams, giving you a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two high-quality switches should reflect your personal preferences in sound, feel, and the settings you'll be using them in.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more