Durock Dolphin vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it's clear that they each offer unique qualities catering to different preferences. The Durock Dolphins are perfect for those needing a quiet switch, making them ideal for office settings. With a medium-heavy actuation force, they offer precision and a satisfying press for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch designed for a subtle and nuanced typing experience. With a gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile, it allows typists to fully immerse in their tasks without any distraction. 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
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and TTC Gold Brown Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing. In this aspect, both switches offer similar qualities with their polycarbonate top housings, providing users with a pleasing visual and auditory experience.
While the top housings of the Dolphin and Gold Brown Pro are similar with their use of polycarbonate, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro also employs a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in top and bottom housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying sound profile for users to enjoy.
When considering the impact of housing materials on a switch, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. In the case of the Durock Dolphin and TTC Gold Brown Pro, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their housings creates a balanced typing experience with a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a lighter touch for quicker key response, but its bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Gold Brown Pro may require less effort to register a keystroke compared to the Dolphin. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with some users favoring the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Dolphin for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer the same keypress feel and feedback, ensuring a similar typing experience for users. With identical travel distances, users can expect consistent performance when typing on either switch. Whether opting for the Dolphin or Gold Brown Pro, typists can enjoy a smooth keypress with a 3.8 mm travel distance.
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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral in sound, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback, with the Dolphin being more muted and the Gold Brown Pro having a slightly more pronounced sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Dolphin and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches are characterized by a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The Dolphin switch is known for its polished feel, while the Gold Brown Pro switch offers additional qualities such as being silky, mild, subtle, and stepped. These features contribute to a gentle and smooth typing feel for both switches, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable and consistent keystroke without much resistance.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin switch excels in providing a quiet and medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for those who value a more resistant press. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro switch delivers a subtle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, creating a refined typing experience that is perfect for staying focused without distractions. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and needs. If you value a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a muted, low-pitched sound profile, then the Dolphin switch would be a great option for you, especially in office environments where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback, a thocky, low-pitched sound, and a smooth, polished typing experience, then the Gold Brown Pro switch would suit your preferences better, allowing you to truly immerse in your tasks with minimal distraction. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired feel and sound when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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