Durock Dolphin vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Flaming Pink stand out as compelling options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin is designed for quiet operation, making it a perfect choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these linear switches offer a satisfying and precise typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a bit more resistance during their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switches provide a smooth and responsive feel, enriched by a pleasant bottom-out sound, striking a balance that suits both gamers and everyday typists alike. Their bright, yet unobtrusive sound profile enhances the tactile experience without overwhelming the senses. Ultimately, while both switches deliver unique advantages—silence and subtlety from the Dolphin and responsiveness from the Flaming Pink—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Flaming Pink switches, it's clear that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances its acoustic properties, resulting in a clear and resonant output. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through, making both switches equally appealing for users who prioritize aesthetic customization alongside performance.
Although both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the sound characteristics differ from the polycarbonate tops. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the crisper high notes generated by the polycarbonate tops. As a result, when pressing down on either switch, users will feel the unique contributions of the nylon bottom housing, which tends to dull the sound and offer a rounder typing experience. This combination of materials allows both the Durock Dolphin and TTC Flaming Pink switches to offer a balanced audio response, drawing on the strengths of each component.
In summary, since both the Dolphin and Flaming Pink switches share identical materials in their construction—polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms—users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. While the polycarbonate provides clarity and brightness, the nylon will introduce warmth and depth, ensuring that both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience. Consequently, regardless of personal preference between the two models, the consistency in housing materials guarantees a comparable feel and sound, making them suitable options for users seeking customization alongside performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Durock Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which provides a medium feeling when pressed, but its actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Flaming Pink switch is the lighter of the two, while the Dolphin is heavier, particularly in terms of its bottom out force. If both switches had comparable actuation forces, users could anticipate a similar overall typing experience; however, with the Dolphin's actuation force unknown, the comparison suggests a potentially different feel when engaging with the keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, the Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Flaming Pink offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Durock Dolphin has a longer travel distance than the TTC Flaming Pink by 0.2 mm. For users who favor responsiveness in their keystrokes, the Flaming Pink's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, providing quicker actuation ideal for gaming. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses might find the Durock Dolphin's greater depth more satisfying. Overall, the difference in travel distance positions the Dolphin as the option for a deeper keystroke experience, while the Flaming Pink caters to those seeking brisker response times.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 switches excel in providing a muted auditory experience. Their low-pitched tone is decidedly bass-heavy and mellow, making them an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as offices or shared workspaces. This softer sound profile minimizes the classic disruptive clatter associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. Meanwhile, the sound characteristics of the TTC Flaming Pink switches remain unspecified, but they are noted for having a bright yet balanced tonal quality that does not become overwhelming. This could lead to a more pleasant acoustic atmosphere, particularly for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback without excessive noise.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switches provide a polished and refined experience. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they strike a balance between resistance and smoothness, enabling users to enjoy precise keystrokes without feeling fatigued. The factory lubing and quality materials contribute to the reduced friction, resulting in a seamlessly smooth key travel. Conversely, the tactile characteristics of the TTC Flaming Pink switches are not detailed, leaving us without specific traits to compare. However, their noted responsiveness suggests they may offer a satisfying typing experience suited for both gaming and regular use.
Combining these insights gives a well-rounded view of each switch's qualities. The Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out with its muted, low-pitched sound that caters to quieter environments and its polished feel that enhances typing comfort. While the TTC Flaming Pink switch lacks detailed sound and feel descriptors, it is highlighted as offering a smooth and satisfying experience that may attract different users. For those seeking a quieter switch experience, the Dolphin is clearly advantageous, while the Flaming Pink may appeal to individuals looking for a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, personal preference in sound and feel will guide your choice, but both switches fit distinct niches that can suit various typing styles and settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch largely depends on your typing style, environment, and personal preference. If you are looking for a switch that excels in quieter settings, like an office where noise might disturb others, the Dolphin is an ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams provides a tactile and precise feel that is satisfying while remaining sufficiently muted and low-pitched, ensuring minimal sound distraction while you type. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and responsive switch for both gaming and everyday use, the TTC Flaming Pink might be your better option. At 50 grams of bottom-out force, these switches deliver a smooth and lively typing experience with a pleasant sound profile that isn’t overly loud yet offers a nice bottom-out feedback. Ultimately, consider where you’ll be using your keyboard and what kind of feel you prefer: more resistance and silence with the Dolphin, or a lighter touch and satisfying sound with the Flaming Pink.
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