Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Glory Red offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Durock Dolphin is revered for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments where noise can be a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a balance between a satisfying resistance and precise responsiveness, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches provide a lighter feel, enabling a smoother keystroke and an enjoyable typing experience. This makes them appealing for gamers and typists who prioritize quick and effortless key presses. Both switches showcase unique advantages—Dolphins for their muted operation and heavier feel, and Glory Reds for their ease of use and pleasant travel distance. However, 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
45g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Glory Red, a clear distinction exists in their top housing. The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced but also aligns well with RGB lighting applications due to its translucence. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red opts for a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that feels rounder and less immediate compared to the Dolphin's crisper sound. The variance in material thus leads to different auditory experiences, with the Dolphin catering to those who favor a bright and clear sound.
Interestingly, both the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Glory Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a shared characteristic that influences their overall typing experience. The nylon used in both housings delivers a softer profile that absorbs sound, forming a deeper and more resonant bottom-out feel common to both switches. This creates a consistent foundation for both models, suggesting that regardless of the top housing material differences, users can expect a muted and richer experience when pressing down on either switch. The similarity in bottom housings contributes to an element of familiarity across the two switches, providing users who appreciate this sound signature a satisfying feel.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Glory Red provide distinct auditory characteristics, while their nylon bottom housings create a harmonious sound foundation. When engaging with the switches, the reaction felt during the key press will predominantly be influenced by the nylon bottom, resulting in a similar sensation across both switches despite their top housing divergence. This integration of materials allows for a layered auditory experience that can be tailored to individual preferences, blending the sharp clarity of the Dolphin with the softened tones of the Glory Red, depending on which switch is activated.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are some notable differences in their force characteristics. The Dolphin switch features a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as a medium weight, while the actuation force remains unknown. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force is also unavailable. This means that the Durock Dolphin is heavier overall in terms of bottom out force, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's lighter actuation force makes it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keypress. Thus, while the Dolphin offers a heavier feel, the Glory Red is optimal for those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the Dolphin stands out with a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Glory Red measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This 0.2 mm difference highlights the Dolphin's longer travel distance, which could offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, appealing to users who appreciate a deeper actuation. In contrast, the Glory Red's shorter travel distance aligns more closely with the preferences of gamers seeking faster response times, although some may find it feels too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness. If you prefer a heartier experience, the Durock Dolphin would be the better option; however, for a quicker reaction, the Gateron Glory Red is the way to go.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch is celebrated for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it incredibly discreet and suitable for environments where noise may be distracting. The absence of a pronounced auditory feedback means that the Dolphin is perfect for office settings or shared spaces, allowing users to type without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch doesn't have a specified sound profile, but it is important to note that its sound characteristics can vary depending on the board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Dolphin excels in maintaining a quiet atmosphere, the Glory Red might provide a broader range of sound experiences based on the specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switches offer a polished typing experience characterized by their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate. This balance allows for greater precision during typing, making it ideal for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red is known for its lighter actuation force, which leads to a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance. This lighter touch may appeal to typists looking for speed and fluidity, but it lacks the heavier resistance found in the Dolphin. This distinction can impact how each switch feels during extended periods of use, depending on individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Glory Red linear switches each have unique qualities that cater to different typists. The Dolphin’s muted sound profile and polished feel make it an excellent choice for quieter environments with a preference for slight resistance, while the Glory Red's smoother keystroke and lighter touch are designed for those who prioritize speed and ease of use. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, but the choice between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the intended use case.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you work in a shared space or simply prefer quieter operation, the Durock Dolphins are your best bet. Their muted and low-pitched sound profile makes them an ideal choice for office environments where noise can be a concern. Plus, with a 62-gram actuation force, the Dolphins provide a satisfying tactile feedback that might suit your typing style if you enjoy a bit more resistance. On the other hand, if you're inclined toward a lighter switch for faster action and a smoother keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red would be the switch to opt for, thanks to its effortless travel. While specific details on the Glory Red's sound profile weren't provided, their reputation indicates they offer a comfortable typing experience, suitable for those who prioritize speed and ease. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between your typing style, workspace requirements, and personal comfort preference.
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