Gateron CM vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CM and the Durock Dolphin mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The CM stands out for its full nylon housing, providing a richer sound signature and a smooth typing experience due to impeccable factory lubrication. With a bouncy typing sensation thanks to its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', and more. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is renowned for its silent operation, making it perfect for office settings where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer precision and a satisfying press, falling under categories like 'Polished' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their unique advantages, but to make the best decision for your needs, further exploration into their specific features and characteristics is necessary. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and Durock Dolphin switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This means that whether you're using the CM or Dolphin switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, with the CM featuring a nylon top housing and the Dolphin using a polycarbonate one. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the CM offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a softer and more absorbing typing experience. This contrast in top housing materials highlights the impact of different plastics on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CM and Durock Dolphin switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a consistent deep and full sound, the difference in top housing materials sets them apart. The CM's nylon top housing produces a rounder and duller sound, while the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound. Whether you prefer a softer or crisper typing sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it is clear that the CM switch is the heavier of the two. The CM switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Dolphin switch more suitable, as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. However, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the CM switch due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. In essence, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch to the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it is clear that the CM has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dolphin has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The CM would be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Dolphin might be more suited for individuals who prefer a deeper depth when pressing down on a key. Both switches are within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent in keyboards today, offering a different feel and experience to the user. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying tone during key presses. The low-pitched sound adds to the overall immersive typing experience, creating a pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch provides a muted sound that minimizes noise levels, making it a suitable choice for quiet environments. The low-pitched tone of the Dolphin switch offers a more mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, with the CM providing a deeper and more pronounced sound, while the Dolphin offers a softer and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron CM and Durock Dolphin linear switches feature a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The buttery, creamy, and frictionless feel of the CM switch ensures a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, complemented by the factory lubrication for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Dolphin switch's polished construction delivers a sleek typing experience with reduced friction, allowing for precise and satisfying key presses with a bit more resistance due to its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g. Overall, both switches offer a premium typing feel that caters to different preferences for typing resistance and smoothness.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its bold sound signature with bassy and thocky characteristics, coupled with a buttery and creamy typing feel that evokes a sense of gliding with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a muted sound profile ideal for quiet environments, accompanied by a polished feel that balances precision with a satisfying press. Whether you prefer a deeper, richer sound and a bouncy typing experience of the CM switch or a quieter sound and medium-heavy actuation force of the Dolphin switch, both options offer top-notch quality in sound and feel for a fulfilling typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing resistance, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a switch with a full nylon housing for a richer sound, impeccable factory lube for smooth typing, and a bouncy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Gateron CM switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch for quieter environments, a medium bottom out force, and a switch with a polished finish for a smooth typing experience, then the Durock Dolphin switch is the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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