Durock Dolphin vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, you will need to consider your specific preferences and needs. The Durock Dolphin is a versatile option with its silent operation, making it perfect for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force and a satisfying press, it offers precision and a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt switch stands out for its prominent tactile bump and medium-heavy spring, providing a distinctive typing experience with a balanced sound profile. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Hutt switch is labeled as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
49g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Hutt both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Dolphin and the Hutt differ in their bottom housings, with the Dolphin using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Hutt also utilizes nylon for a similar effect.
While both the Dolphin and the Hutt share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, the use of different materials for their bottom housings provides a slight contrast in sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin creates a duller and rounder sound by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, while the nylon bottom housing of the Hutt elicits a similar deeper and fuller sound. This difference in bottom housing materials may result in a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Hutt results in switches with distinct sound profiles. The split qualities of each housing material offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches provide options for different sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, it is evident that the two switches offer different experiences. The Dolphin has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Hutt has a lighter bottom out force of 49 grams. The Dolphin has no specified actuation force, whereas the Hutt has a light actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Dolphin may require a slightly heavier touch to bottom out compared to the Hutt. In terms of weight, the Hutt is lighter overall, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Dolphin's heavier bottom out force might be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quicker response times, especially among gamers. The Dolphin has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more tactile and pronounced typing experience compared to the Hutt. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for either a slightly shorter, more responsive feel or a slightly longer, more pronounced 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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a resonant sound that is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched, giving users an immersive auditory sensation. Both switches provide a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences, but overall, the Dolphin will offer a quieter typing experience compared to the Hutt.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented tactile experience, promising high feedback intensity and a pronounced tactile bump with each keypress. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Dolphin offering a polished and refined experience, while the Hutt provides a more lively and tactile feedback for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dolphin provides a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Hutt offers a more tactile and lively typing sensation with a prominent tactile bump and a resonant sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are well-crafted and will offer a satisfying typing experience based on the specific qualities each user may be looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a great choice for you. These silent switches are perfect for office settings or quiet work environments, providing a balanced feel with a satisfying press. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience, the Bsun Hutt switch may be more suited to your preferences. With a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, the Hutt offers a snappy and invigorating feel with a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preferences for actuation force, noise level, and typing experience.
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