Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and responsiveness. The Durock Dolphin linear switches stand out for their silent operation, making them particularly suitable for office environments or any workspace where minimizing noise is a priority. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a substantial tactile response that balances precision and satisfaction for users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer smooth and reliable performance with a poppy sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing. This cost-effective option, produced with Gateron's trusted proprietary mold, ensures durability and a satisfying experience without breaking the bank. While both switches cater to different needs, they each have unique features that can enhance your typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which plays a significant role in shaping the acoustic characteristics of the switches. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, contributes to a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This shared material ensures that users of both switches will experience a pronounced clarity in sound, making both options favorable for enthusiasts seeking a more resonant auditory experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is employed, adding to the aesthetic versatility of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches, although both utilize nylon, a classic and widely appreciated choice in switch manufacturing. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb sound vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper, rounder sound profile. This characteristic can lead to a unique auditory experience when bottoming out the key presses. Even though the bottom housings are the same material, the combination with the polycarbonate top housing will create distinctive sound profiles as each interacts differently during operation, leading to a full-bodied sound that is notably different from the high-pitched response of the top portion.
Ultimately, the differing influences of the housing materials in the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar create a nuanced tactile experience for users. While both switches deliver clarity and sharpness from their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottom housing of each contributes to a rounder sound profile. As a result, typists can expect pronounced and well-rounded auditory feedback, driven primarily by the nylon’s sound-absorbing properties. The synthesis of these materials—in the same configuration on both switches—underscores that while they share some qualities, the overall typing experience will feel distinct due to the way sound and tactile feedback interact with both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has an unspecified actuation force, making it difficult to evaluate its responsiveness in terms of keystroke activation. However, it does feature a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a balanced resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which may provide a lighter feel for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it suitable for extended use. While the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown, its actuation force positions it as the lighter option between the two. Consequently, users who favor a lighter switch may lean towards the Cedar, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel when bottoming out might find the Dolphin more appealing due to its medium bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the overall feel of typing or gaming experiences. The Dolphin's longer travel distance might be more suited for users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience, providing a cushioned bottom-out that can feel more satisfying. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster keystrokes. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a more responsive feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth may find the Durock Dolphin to be more appealing.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch is notably muted, producing a soft and quiet typing experience that minimizes the usual mechanical keyboard clatter. Its low-pitched tones contribute to a bass-heavy and mellow atmosphere, making it particularly well-suited for environments where noise control is a priority. In contrast, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is described as having a satisfying, poppy sound profile, specific details about its sound characteristics are less defined. Overall, the Dolphin offers a more discreet auditory experience, whereas the Cedar's sound might be more vibrant, though the impact will vary depending on the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dolphin's medium-heavy actuation force of 62g adds a rewarding resistance during typing, combined with a polished finish that ensures a smooth and refined key travel experience. This balance of firmness and smoothness caters to those who appreciate a more substantial switch. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar showcases a snappy feel, contributing to an engaging and responsive typing experience, complemented by an equally polished finish. While both switches provide smooth key travel, the Dolphins offer that heavier feel, while the Cedars lean towards a more lively sensation thanks to their responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Dolphin excels in providing a silent and substantial typing experience, while the Cedar offers a cost-effective option with a snappier feel and a more vibrant sound profile. Users seeking a muted and refined experience will likely opt for the Dolphin, whereas those desiring a more responsive and potentially louder option may find the Cedar appealing. Either way, each switch presents well-defined characteristics to enhance the typing experience, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific context in which you plan to use them. If you find yourself in an office environment or any location where noise is a concern, the Durock Dolphin is the superior choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams delivers a satisfying, substantial feel while maintaining a muted, low-pitched sound profile that won’t disturb those around you. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions where you might favor precision and comfort without the distraction of louder switch sounds. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more lively and responsive typing experience, especially for gaming or casual use, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch could be more suitable. Its snappy feel and polished finish offer a dynamic performance that can energize your typing or gaming sessions, all while remaining cost-effective. Ultimately, consider where and how you will be using your keyboard to make the best switch decision for your needs.
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