Durock Dolphin vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Dolphin and the BSUN Guyu. The Durock Dolphins are known for their silent operation, making them perfect for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a satisfying press and precise typing experience for those who prefer a switch with some resistance. On the other hand, the BSUN Guyu linear switches offer a unique auditory experience with all-POM housings that enhance acoustics and a UPE stem for smooth keystrokes. This results in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound and a distinctive sound signature that combines depth and clarity. The Guyu switches also have a medium weight that complements their super-smooth keystrokes for effortless typing sessions. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and Bsun Guyu utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Dolphin featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Guyu has a POM top housing and POM bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, thanks to its stiffness which enhances resonance. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Guyu produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in that their bottom housings contribute to a fuller and deeper sound, with the nylon and POM materials absorbing more sound for a rounder tone.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Guyu may not offer the same level of light transmission but provides a different tactile and auditory experience with its deeper sound profile. While the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin absorbs sound for a duller tone, the POM bottom housing of the Guyu also contributes to a muted sound quality, resulting in switches that each offer a unique typing experience based on housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and Bsun Guyu will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and aesthetics. The different housing materials utilized in each switch create distinct typing experiences, with the polycarbonate and nylon of the Dolphin offering a sharper and fuller sound, while the POM of the Guyu provides a deeper and more muted sound. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique qualities and characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it is clear that the Guyu is the lighter option. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the Guyu has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. The actuation force of the Dolphin is specified as None grams, making it difficult to compare directly with the Guyu's 45-gram actuation force. However, it is safe to say that the Guyu requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Dolphin, which may result in a smoother typing experience for some users. Both switches offer different levels of resistance for actuation and bottoming out, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel. Overall, the Dolphin and Guyu switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a variety of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, making them ideal choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as both are considered to have shorter travel distances compared to traditional switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Dolphin and Guyu switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much key depth and responsiveness are desired.
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 Bsun Guyu has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Guyu for $3.70.
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 characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used, so the auditory experience may vary depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is recognized for its polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the Bsun Guyu switch is described as creamy and frictionless, providing a buttery and effortless typing sensation where fingers glide easily across the keys. The switch's silky and snappy attributes further enhance the overall typing feel, making each keystroke feel more responsive and fluid.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Dolphin excels in providing a muted and polished typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Guyu stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience, delivering reliable performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, consider the environment where you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quiet typing experience in an office setting or a noise-sensitive environment, the Dolphin switch's muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a distinct auditory experience with a clacky sound profile, the Guyu switch's acoustics and resonance may be more appealing to you. Additionally, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a polished feel, the Dolphin switch offers a balance of precision and resistance. Alternatively, if you seek a medium-weight switch with a creamy, frictionless, and snappy feel, the Guyu switch's smooth keystrokes and fluid travel may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preference in sound, feel, and typing experience.
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