TTC Brother vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the TTC Brother and the Durock Dolphin offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The TTC Brother clicky switch is celebrated for its lightweight and breezy actuation at just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both effortless and precise. With its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, it is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is favored for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a balance between precision and resistance that appeals to those seeking a more substantial 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Durock Dolphin have some similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic qualities from both the TTC Brother and the Durock Dolphin.
However, a notable difference between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housing. While the Brother features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, the Dolphin also utilizes a nylon bottom housing to elicit similar qualities. Both switches highlight the impact of housing material on sound profiles, with nylon providing a more absorbent quality that creates a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how the Brother and the Dolphin offer unique typing experiences based on their housing compositions.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches creates a nuanced typing experience for users. The TTC Brother and Durock Dolphin showcase how the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon are distributed throughout the switch, influencing the sound profile and feel in different ways. The top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key contrasts with the bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This distinction emphasizes the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience and highlights the subtle differences between the TTC Brother and the Durock Dolphin.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less pressure. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The Brother switch does not list a bottom out force, so it is unclear how much pressure is needed to fully press the key. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the TTC Brother switch would be a suitable option. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more tactile and firm typing feel may lean towards the Durock Dolphin switch for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm while the Dolphin has a longer travel distance of 3.8mm. The 0.3mm difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience. The Brother switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking a faster response time, while the Dolphin switch's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy and satisfyingly crisp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This characteristic is highly appreciated by enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience suitable for office settings. While both switches provide unique sound profiles, the Brother excels in delivering a more pronounced and enjoyable clicky sound, whereas the Dolphin focuses on minimizing noise levels for a more inconspicuous typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation. This light touch provides a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch offers a stepped feel, providing a distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensation that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. This polished feel gives the Dolphin switch a sleek and refined typing experience that prioritizes consistent keypresses without the tactile feedback of a bump.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and Durock Dolphin linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother excels in delivering a crisp and crunchy clicky sound with a tactile bump that enhances typing feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clicky switch experience. On the other hand, the Dolphin provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile with a polished and smooth key feel, catering to individuals looking for a quieter and more refined typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that will provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get different but equally enjoyable results depending on your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it's crucial to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a satisfyingly crunchy sound and easy-to-press keys with a light actuation force, then the Brother switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter, low-pitched sound and a polished, smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, then the Dolphin switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing preferences and environment. Choose wisely to enhance your overall typing experience.
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