Outemu Crystal vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Dolphin both offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Crystal provides a linear typing experience with an elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a neutral sound profile during use. On the other hand, the Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin offers a satisfying press with a bit more resistance. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specific qualities of each switch to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and Durock Dolphin both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal.
In terms of sound profile, both the Outemu Crystal and Durock Dolphin will have distinct characteristics due to their different housing materials. While the polycarbonate top housing of both switches will create a clear and resonant sound, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing will add to the sharper sound profile upon bottoming out a key. In contrast, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This highlights how the choice of materials in both the top and bottom housing can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.
It is evident that the housing materials utilized in the Outemu Crystal and Durock Dolphin play a crucial role in defining their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing of these switches demonstrates how the material choice can affect the sound when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. While both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, enthusiasts may prefer the higher-pitched and crisper sound of the Crystal, or the deeper and fuller sound of the Dolphin, based on their personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials can help users make more informed decisions when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dolphin, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Dolphin is heavier at 62 grams, while the Crystal's bottom out force is 55 grams. Both switches provide a medium feel, but the Dolphin offers a slightly heavier typing experience. So, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, the Crystal may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial push feel, the Dolphin could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal being slightly longer. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the Dolphin may be the preferred option due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke may find the Crystal to be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Crystal linear switch has a chirpy, high-pitched profile that sets it apart with a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted, low-pitched sound that is softer and quieter compared to other switches. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience depending on your preference, with the Crystal offering a more distinctive chirpy tone and the Dolphin providing a quieter, more mellow sound.
In terms of feel, both the Outemu Crystal and Durock Dolphin switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This indicates that both switches have reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek feel when typing. The actuation force also plays a role in the overall feel of the switches, with the Crystal providing a medium-light weight feel and the Dolphin offering a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g. This difference in actuation force can cater to individuals who prefer a lighter or heavier press when typing.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal provides a chirpy, high-pitched sound and a medium-light weight feel, while the Dolphin offers a muted, low-pitched sound and a medium-heavy actuation force. Depending on your preference for sound profile and actuation force, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their polished feel. It is important to consider these subjective qualities when choosing between the two switches to ensure you get the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a unique linear feel and neutral sound profile, the Crystal may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch with a medium and satisfying press, the Dolphin is a great option for office settings or noise-sensitive spaces. Ultimately, both switches offer a polished typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Make your decision based on what suits your typing style and environment best.
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