Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it is essential to consider the key differences between the two. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it ideal for quiet office environments or workspaces where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a satisfying press with a balanced level of resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly price point and delivers a higher pitched clacky sound profile with a bouncy feel when typing. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the G Pro 3.0 Yellow falls under 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. Both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Durock Dolphin utilizes a nylon housing while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow also has a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both the Dolphin and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, providing a unique sound profile that complements the crisper sound from the top polycarbonate housing.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. While the top housing material affects the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing material influences the sound and feel when keys are pressed down. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow allows for a well-rounded typing experience, balancing the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate with the depth and fullness of nylon for a satisfying sound and feel with each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Dolphin is 62 grams, which is lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's 67 grams. This means that the Dolphin switch would feel lighter to type on, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, providing users with a balanced typing experience depending on their preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, making them great choices for typing and gaming. The Dolphin's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's slightly longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter working or gaming environment. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, which may appeal to users who prefer a sharper and crisper typing noise. Ultimately, the sound preference boils down to personal taste and the overall setup of the keyboard, including the case and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Dolphin and G Pro 3.0 Yellow are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is also labeled as creamy, offering a buttery sensation when typing due to potential factory lubrication or specific materials used in its construction. Whether you prefer a straightforward polished feel or a creamy and luxurious typing experience, both switches provide a high-quality tactile response for your keyboarding needs.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch each bring their unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Dolphin excels in providing a subdued and low-pitched typing sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched and resonant audio profile. Both switches are polished for smooth key travel, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also boasting a creamy feel for added tactile satisfaction. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, either switch can deliver a satisfying result, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard setup is tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, consider the specific factors that are important to you. If you value a silent typing experience and medium actuation force, the Durock Dolphin may be the ideal choice for you, especially in office environments or quiet workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a higher-pitched sound profile and a fairly bouncy feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of noise level, actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider these factors carefully to ensure that you choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
