Durock Dolphin vs. TTC Ice

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Ice both offer distinct experiences, appealing to different types of users. The Durock Dolphin is renowned for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for office settings or environments where minimizing noise is a priority. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches strike a balance between precision and a satisfying tactile resistance, catering to those who prefer a switch that feels substantial under their fingers. In contrast, the TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their stunning crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel. They provide a more pronounced auditory feedback with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them suitable for both gaming enthusiasts and everyday typists seeking a premium typing experience. While the Durock Dolphin focuses on silence and a tactile feel, the TTC Ice emphasizes clarity and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

TTC Ice Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and the TTC Ice switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which provides a notable similarity in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a clear and resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved. Users looking to create a visually striking keyboard setup will find that both the Dolphin and Ice switches excel in this area due to their clear top housing.

In contrast, the bottom housings of these switches present a more pronounced difference. The Dolphin incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which greatly influences the auditory experience by generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a muted and rounder typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the top housing's properties. As a result, the Ice is set to deliver a sound profile that is consistent throughout, maintaining that higher-pitched and crisp auditory quality all the way through the actuation and bottom-out stages.

As the combination of different housing materials comes into play, the overall sound experience of each switch is distinctively shaped. The Dolphin’s nylon bottom complements the polycarbonate top, providing a rich depth to the sound that can satisfy those who prefer a rounder typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Ice maintains uniformity with its full polycarbonate build, ensuring a consistent and clear sound across both its top and bottom. Depending on the user’s preference for either a varied sound profile or a more cohesive auditory experience, each switch offers its own unique benefits while still leveraging the brightness of polycarbonate in the upper sections.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range for keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 60 grams. As a result, the TTC Ice switch is the lighter option, which may appeal to users who favor a softer touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming without fatigue. Meanwhile, the Dolphin switch's bottom out force is marginally heavier, suggesting a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Overall, while the actuation force of the Dolphin is unknown, the Ice offers a more lightweight experience, making it suitable for long sessions, whereas the Dolphin may cater to those who enjoy a bit of extra resistance in their typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Durock Dolphin boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Ice measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Dolphin offers a deeper keypress experience, which some users might appreciate for its more substantial feel. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Ice switch may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter key travel can facilitate faster actions. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the TTC Ice would be the better choice; however, if a more traditional and hearty depth is desired, the Durock Dolphin's longer travel distance may be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to the sound profile, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized as muted and low-pitched, which makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is vital. The softer sound it produces minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard clatter, allowing for a more discreet typing experience suitable for both office settings and quiet spaces. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch does not have a specified sound profile. However, the mention of a satisfying bottom-out sound suggests that while it may not be as subdued as the Dolphin, it still offers an appealing auditory experience without being overly loud.

In terms of tactile feel, the Durock Dolphin switches stand out with their polished surface, which enhances the smoothness of key presses and leads to an overall refined typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction during operation. The TTC Ice switch, while noted for its smooth and responsive feel, lacks specific descriptors to categorize its tactile characteristics further. This means that although users can expect a satisfying experience with the Ice switch, it may not have the same level of smoothness or lubrication as the Dolphin.

Combining the available insights, one could conclude that the Durock Dolphin and TTC Ice linear switches cater to different preferences among users. The Dolphin’s silent operation and polished feel make it particularly suitable for those who prioritize a quieter and more refined keyboard experience, especially in professional settings. The TTC Ice, while offering a satisfying bottom-out experience, remains undefined in certain aspects but is suggested to deliver responsiveness suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value sound minimization and a polished feel over an undefined auditory experience and general smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Ice linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that prioritizes a quiet typing experience, especially in shared work environments where noise can be a concern, the Durock Dolphins would be your best bet. Their muted and low-pitched sound profile, along with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, provides a satisfying yet discreet keystroke that balances precision with a refined feel. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that offers an engaging typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switches stand out with their smooth and responsive feel. With an actuation force of 60 grams, they cater well to both gaming and everyday usage, while their crystal-clear design adds an aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard; for quiet environments, reach for the Dolphins, while for a more versatile and dynamic experience, the Ice switches would serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more