Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Ink Box Black mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a balanced feel that combines precision with a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy operation, with a sound signature reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Ink Box Black is labeled as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own unique characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Ink Box Black, we see that both switches offer unique qualities in their top housing materials. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky and satisfying. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they differ in the specific nuances of the sound they produce.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, we see another interesting comparison between the two switches. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, adding a different tactile feel to typing on these switches. Conversely, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched sound profile as the top housing, characterized by a satisfying thin and clacky sound. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience in their own unique ways.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact in these switches, it becomes evident that each component plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key. The distinct qualities of polycarbonate in the Dolphin and the INK blend in the Ink Box Black offer users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound profile or a clacky, high-pitched sound, depending on their preference. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to users. The Dolphin switch has no specified actuation force, making it difficult to compare directly with the 60-gram actuation force of the Ink Box Black. However, the Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison. This means that the Ink Box Black requires a slightly heavier touch to type on compared to the Dolphin switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Dolphin switch may be the better choice. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ink Box Black for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable for those who prioritize quicker response times. Gamers may find the shorter travel distances of these switches advantageous for swift movements during gameplay. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress depth may find the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Dolphin switch to be slightly more satisfying compared to the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and 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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 favored for its muted and low-pitched profile, providing a softer and more bass-heavy sound compared to other switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This can add a sharp and crisp element to your typing, appealing to those who enjoy a more percussive sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and satisfying press, ideal for users who appreciate a polished feel to their switches. The Gateron Ink Box Black switch, on the other hand, is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it shares the polished characteristic with the Dolphin, ensuring a smooth and refined typing feel for users who prioritize smoothness in their switches.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to consider. The Dolphin excels in providing a quiet and medium-heavy actuation force feel, while the Ink Box Black offers a creamy and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound signature. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and medium actuation force switch for use in an office setting or anywhere noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its smooth and polished feel, it offers a satisfying press and precise feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamier and clacky switch with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be more suitable. Its silky smooth key feel and unique sound profile make it a great option for those seeking a different typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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