Durock Dolphin vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, there are distinct differences that set them apart. The Dolphin is praised for its silence, making it an ideal choice for quiet office settings due to its muted sound profile. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press with precision, appealing to those who prefer a switch with some resistance. On the other hand, the Holly offers a unique typing experience with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinctive feel. With a medium 50g actuation force, it provides a lighter touch compared to the Dolphin. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and Dareu Holly both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, their differences lie in their bottom housings, with the Dolphin utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Holly also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of both the Dolphin and Holly creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key will differ slightly between the two switches. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a unique typing experience that combines the characteristics of both materials.
Overall, while both the Durock Dolphin and Dareu Holly share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the type of bottom housing they use. This variation in materials results in a slightly different sound and feel when typing on each switch. However, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each housing ensures that users will still experience a high-quality and responsive typing experience, regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it on the medium side in terms of weight. In comparison, the actuation force for the Dareu Holly tactile switch is 50 grams, providing a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes. The bottom out force for the Holly switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Holly switch for a smoother typing experience, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Dolphin switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming comfort.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Holly, making it more suited for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Holly's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin being on the shorter end and the Holly being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those seeking a quiet and mellow work environment. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch provides a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, catering to individuals looking for a distinctive typing experience with a balance of tones. Both switches offer their own distinct auditory profiles, ensuring that users can find the sound that best suits their preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch boasts a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing sessions. This polished feel enhances the typing experience, providing users with a sleek and refined touch with every key press. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch. While this lack of detail may leave some uncertainty, based on the available information, users can expect to experience a tactile feedback that complements the unique sound signature of the switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer contrasting sound and potentially feel profiles for users to consider. The Dolphin excels in providing a quiet and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, while the Holly stands out with its distinctive combination of chirpy and clacky sounds. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience an individual is seeking. Whether opting for the muted and low-pitched sound of the Dolphin or the chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly, users can rest assured that they will be getting a quality switch that caters to their specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force that offers a substantial and satisfying press, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be the ideal choice, especially for office environments or anywhere noise levels matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best fits your personal preferences and typing style.
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