Durock Dolphin vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Grape Orange both offer unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin is a silent linear switch, recognized for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, which provides a satisfying resistance that enhances precision while still being subdued enough for office settings. Its polished and muted feel offers a pleasant typing experience without the noise that can disrupt coworkers. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switches deliver an exceptionally light typing experience with a featherlight 40g actuation force, making them a fantastic choice for prolonged typing sessions where speed and ease are priorities. The Grape Orange prioritizes comfort and efficiency, allowing for effortless keystrokes that are ideal for those who favor a quick and nimble typing style. Ultimately, both switches have compelling features that cater to different 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Dolphin and Huano Grape Orange feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is praised for its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality allows for a more clear and resonant auditory experience when typing, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a pronounced keystroke feedback. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an optimal choice for those who plan to utilize RGB lighting in their keyboards, as it enhances the visual aesthetics while providing functionality. Thus, both the Dolphin and the Grape Orange offer similar sound profiles and light diffusion capabilities due to their shared top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Grape Orange are both composed of nylon, which introduces a different auditory characteristic to the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbs more sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile that is rounder and less sharp. This combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a unique blend of sound experiences: while the tops provide clarity and brightness, the bottoms deliver warmth and depth. Consequently, even though both switches utilize the same materials for their respective housings, the differing characteristics of these materials allow for a more complex interaction when pressed, enhancing the typing experience.
Overall, the design and material choices of the Durock Dolphin and Huano Grape Orange switches create a harmonious balance between sound quality and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top enhances clarity during key releases while the nylon bottom enriches sound on bottoming out, creating an engaging typing experience. Although both switches share similar materials for both housings, the interaction of the differing materials makes them unique. This careful selection of materials ensures that both switches cater to a diverse range of keyboard enthusiasts who seek both performance and aesthetic appeal in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to measure its overall responsiveness; however, it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which falls into the light range. This makes the Grape Orange noticeably lighter than the Dolphin, potentially providing a more comfortable typing experience for extended sessions. While the Dolphin's higher bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel when typing, the Grape Orange's combination of lower forces allows for quicker actuation and less effort, making it suitable for both work and lengthy gaming marathons. Overall, if one prioritizes a lighter typing experience, the Grape Orange would be the preferable choice, whereas the Dolphin is more suited for those desiring a more substantial tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Dolphin the longer option between the two. The difference in travel distance, while minimal, can have an impact on typing experience and performance; the shorter Grape Orange may appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Dolphin may provide a deeper, more satisfying feel for those who prefer more travel in their switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a more responsive, shorter travel or a fuller, deeper sensation when pressing down on keys.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 is designed to be quiet, characterized by a muted and low-pitched profile. This makes the Dolphin an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared workspaces, as it produces a softer and more subdued sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch are not specified, leaving its sound profile unknown, which can lead to variability depending on factors like the keyboard build and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin offers a polished sensation, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The meticulous design and likely factory lubing contribute to a reduction in friction during key presses, making every stroke feel seamless and satisfying. In contrast, the feel of the Grape Orange switch is not detailed, leaving it unclear how it might compare against the Dolphin’s more refined typing experience, though it's notable that it offers a very light actuation force.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and Huano Grape Orange linear switch each bring unique characteristics to the mechanical keyboard experience. The Dolphins stand out with their quiet sound and polished feel, making them well-suited for users who prioritize a discreet yet tactile typing experience. The Grape Orange, with its ultra-light actuation force, promises ease of use for long typing sessions, although its sound and feel characteristics remain less defined. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing engagement, users might gravitate toward one or the other, but the Dolphins offer a well-rounded experience for those seeking a balance of noise management and tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you work in a shared space or value a quieter typing experience, the Durock Dolphins are a prime choice, as their muted and low-pitched sound design ensures minimal noise disruption. Additionally, with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, the Dolphins provide a satisfying resistance that helps prevent accidental key presses, making them suitable for precision typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and ease during extended typing sessions, you may find the Huano Grape Orange switches more appealing. Their ultra-light 50-gram bottom-out force allows for rapid key presses with minimal effort, making them ideal for long periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs—whether it’s a more controlled and quieter experience with the Durock Dolphins or a breezy and effortless feel with the Grape Oranges.
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