Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Glory Yellow, both of which belong to the linear category. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an excellent choice for office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a consideration. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a substantial feel that balances precision and satisfying resistance—perfect for users who prefer a bit more feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are designed for those who appreciate a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches offer their own unique advantages, the Durock Dolphin caters to those prioritizing noise reduction, while the Gateron Glory Yellow appeals to those seeking a fluid typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and requirements.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Glory Yellow feature differing materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly suitable for configurations that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the illumination to shine through brilliantly. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's top housing is crafted from nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, giving the Gateron switch a warmer audio signature compared to the Durock’s high-pitched resonance.

Conversely, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which equalizes some aspects of their performance when pressed. As both the Dolphin and the Glory Yellow feature this same nylon construction in their lower housings, the typing experience becomes more aligned in terms of sound and feel at the bottom-out point of actuation. The nylon bottom housing, being softer, contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback for users. Thus, regardless of the disparities in the top housings, the shared nylon material in the bottoms ensures a more consistent auditory and tactile experience.

Ultimately, the differences stemming from the top housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Glory Yellow create distinct sound profiles while retaining a commonality in typing feel due to their nylon bottom housings. While the Dolphin delivers a brighter audio characteristic rooted in its polycarbonate top, the Glory Yellow’s nylon construction offers a more muted tone. However, you may find that both switches yield relatively satisfying results overall thanks to the nylon bottoms that foster a more consistent and pleasant typing experience, regardless of the distinctions in the top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force and typing experience. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium; however, its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Glory Yellow features a known actuation force of 50 grams, indicating it requires a relatively lighter push to register a keystroke. The bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is also unspecified.

Given this information, those who favor lighter switches may gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Yellow due to its known actuation force, allowing for extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue. The Durock Dolphin, with its heavier bottom-out feel, may appeal to users seeking more resistance for a substantial typing experience. Without the known actuation force for the Dolphin, we cannot directly compare it to the Glory Yellow; however, the presence of a medium bottom-out force indicates a heavier feel compared to the lighter actuation force of the Glory Yellow. Thus, the Gateron Glory Yellow can be classified as the lighter switch, while the Durock Dolphin is the heavier option based on its bottom-out specification.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we find a slight difference: the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Glory Yellow measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Durock Dolphin the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses, offering a traditional tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either swift response or a richer tactile journey, as the Dolphin's shorter travel distance promotes speed, whereas the Glory Yellow caters to those who favor a hearty key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Dolphin linear switch is designed to be exceptionally quiet, making it ideal for quieter environments like offices. It features a muted sound profile characterized by a low-pitched tone, offering a soft and subdued auditory experience. This makes the Dolphin a great choice for those who seek minimal disruption in shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch's sound profile is not specified, but it is essential to note that sound can often be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and type of keycaps used. However, given that the Glory Yellow is a linear switch, it’s likely to produce a quieter sound than tactile or clicky options, though perhaps not as muted as the Dolphin.

When it comes to feel, the Dolphin offers a polished sensation that enhances the typing experience with its smooth and refined key travel. This results from either the materials used in the switch or factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and a comfortable experience during extended typing sessions. The Glory Yellow, while noted for its heavier actuation force, does not have specific descriptors available regarding its tactile feel or overall smoothness. Therefore, one might expect a smooth keystroke similar to the Dolphin due to its linear nature, but the absence of detail on its refinement prevents a direct comparison.

In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches cater to those who appreciate smooth and linear typing experiences. The Dolphin stands out with its notable muted sound and polished feel, making it particularly suitable for quieter environments, while the Glory Yellow promises a heavier actuation force, possibly appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial press. While there are differences, a user will find solid performance in both, with the choice ultimately coming down to personal preference regarding sound and actuation weight.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment and personal preferences. If you work in a shared or quiet space where noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin is your ideal choice. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile allows for silent typing, which can help maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, the Dolphin’s medium-heavy 62g actuation force provides a tactile experience that many users appreciate for typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be more suitable for you. While it certainly excels at providing a pleasing travel distance and an enjoyable typing experience, consider that it may not be as quiet as the Dolphin. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—be it noise level, actuation force, or overall feel—allowing you to find the switch that enhances your typing experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more