Durock Dolphin vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Gold Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences and needs. The Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet environments like offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a balance between precision and satisfaction, making it suitable for those who appreciate resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gold Pink is renowned for its light 37g actuation force, providing a fast and effortless typing experience that is perfect for both typing and gaming. Additionally, the Gold Pink switches produce a clacky sound that adds to the tactile feedback. While the Dolphin is polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Gold Pink is buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and TTC Gold Pink, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate that enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. With identical polycarbonate top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual enhancements when using either the Dolphin or Gold Pink switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material differs between the Dolphin and Gold Pink, with the Dolphin using nylon and the Gold Pink also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon as a housing material tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that gives typing on these switches a unique tactile feel and auditory experience. Despite the difference in bottom housing material between the Dolphin and Gold Pink, users can still expect a similar typing experience with both switches, as the nylon material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials can affect the sound and feel of a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are distinct yet complementary. The bottom housing plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, contributing to the overall tactile experience. Conversely, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, adding a layer of complexity to the auditory feedback provided by the switches. By understanding how the combination of housing materials affects the typing experience, users can choose a switch like the Durock Dolphin or TTC Gold Pink based on their preference for sound profile, feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Pink is lighter in both aspects. The Dolphin has no specified actuation force, while the Gold Pink requires 37 grams to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Gold Pink bottoms out at 45 grams. The Dolphin provides a more medium typing experience, while the Gold Pink offers a lighter touch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Dolphin, while users who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Pink for extended typing or gaming sessions. In both cases, users will achieve optimal results based on their personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, we can see that the Dolphin has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are currently popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Dolphin's 3.8mm travel distance may provide a slightly faster key press experience compared to the Gold Pink's 4mm travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Gold Pink with its longer travel distance to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 stands out for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a quieter typing experience compared to the clacky sound of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch. The Dolphin switch is ideal for those looking for a more subtle and bass-heavy tone, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch offers a clacky sound that provides a satisfying level of feedback, catering to individuals who prefer a livelier typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish enhances the overall feel of the switch, allowing for a sleek and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switch is characterized as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities combine to provide a light and effortless typing sensation, making it perfect for extended gaming or typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin switch provides a quieter and more refined typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance. In contrast, the Gold Pink switch offers a clacky sound and a light actuation force, catering to individuals who value a fast and effortless typing experience. Depending on personal preference and usage requirements, both switches deliver excellent performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, consider the environment you'll be using your keyboard in and your typing preferences. If you value a silent typing experience and prefer medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphins would be a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and clacky typing feel with a lower actuation force, the TTC Gold Pink switches are perfect for fast and effortless typing, making them ideal for gaming or rapid typing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific use case for your keyboard.
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