Durock Dolphin vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and TTC Honey mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches, offering a smooth typing experience without a tactile bump or click. The Durock Dolphins are favored for their silent operation, making them a great choice for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a satisfying press and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Honeys are known for their smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. While both switches offer unique characteristics such as being polished, muted, low-pitched for the Dolphin and subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, polished for the Honey, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's delve 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
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Honey switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Durock Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
The use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Honey switches allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the overall switch experience. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon providing a deeper sound on the Durock Dolphin and polycarbonate offering a crisper sound on the TTC Honey. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate contributing to a sharper sound in both switches. This split in housing materials showcases how different combinations can affect the overall typing experience and sound output.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Honey switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a similar sound profile, their contrasting bottom housing materials, nylon and polycarbonate respectively, provide unique sound characteristics. The Durock Dolphin's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the TTC Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sound profile. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Honey's 50 grams, making it the heavier option. The actuation force of the Honey is 42 grams, while the Dolphin's actuation force is not specified. In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Honey may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience for longer periods of use, such as for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Dolphin may suit individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in that aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is the same, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. Both switches offer a consistent distance for keypresses, allowing for a smooth and reliable typing experience. This means that whether you choose the Dolphin or the Honey linear switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance when typing. Overall, the travel distance of both switches provides users with a satisfying typing experience.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for those who value a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a deep and pleasant sound with a more relaxed and subdued feel when pressed. Both switches offer a unique sound experience that can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, but overall, they cater to different preferences in sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a satisfying key travel. In contrast, the TTC Honey switch is known for its creamy, buttery, frictionless, and subtle feel, offering a silky sensation and a fluid typing experience that effortlessly melts into each keystroke. Both switches prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, but the Dolphin leans towards a more refined feel while the Honey provides a luxurious and buttery sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch offer distinct but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in providing a quieter and more precise typing experience, while the Honey offers a deeper and creamier sound with a luxurious and buttery feel. Whether you prefer a more muted and polished typing experience or a smoother and buttery sensation, both switches deliver in providing a satisfying and premium typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and need to minimize noise levels, the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy actuation force for more precision in your typing, the Dolphin's 62g bottom out force would be suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a lighter 50g bottom out force, the TTC Honey linear switch may be more to your liking. The Honey switch's subdued sound profile and creamy feel provide a different typing experience compared to the Dolphin. Ultimately, your preference for noise level, actuation force, and typing feel will determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
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