KTT Cream Yellow vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences to users. The Cream Yellow is known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch is designed to be silent, making it perfect for office environments or quiet workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished, muted sound, the Dolphin offers a satisfying press with a bit more resistance. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cream Yellow and Durock Dolphin feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. This means that both switches will offer similar sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the Cream Yellow and Dolphin differ in their bottom housings, with the Cream Yellow featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Dolphin also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastics. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced by their bottom housings.
When using switches with different top and bottom housings, such as the Cream Yellow and Dolphin, the qualities of each housing material will be evident in different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced and dynamic typing experience overall.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch both fall within the medium range. The Cream Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Dolphin has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams. In terms of weight, the Cream Yellow is lighter than the Dolphin. The difference in bottom out force may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Dolphin for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dolphin switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow switch. The shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Dolphin switch may provide a more substantial key press feeling for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, but the slight difference may be noticeable to some users in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch offers a clacky and resonant auditory experience, with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound, making it a quieter option ideal for office settings. Depending on personal preference, the Cream Yellow switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a distinctively clacky typing sound, while the Dolphin switch is a better choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that gives a lively feel with rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Those who appreciate a bouncy and energetic typing feel may lean towards the Cream Yellow switch, while individuals who value a polished and smooth typing experience may prefer the Durock Dolphin switch.
Overall, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, providing a unique auditory and tactile experience for users. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch stands out for its muted sound and polished feel, offering a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. If a user is looking for a distinct typing experience with a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be the preferred option. However, if a quieter typing experience with a polished feel is desired, the Durock Dolphin switch would be the more suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider the factors of noise level preference and typing feel. If you value a distinct clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch for a quieter workspace and a polished, smooth typing experience, the Dolphin switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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