Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both switches offer a linear typing experience. The Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press and precise feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red features a lower actuation force, perfect for individuals with a lighter typing style. Known for its smooth and crisp sound profile, the Ink Red offers a more effortless typing experience. While the Dolphin is categorized as polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both materials provide a satisfying sound experience, the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing may be better suited for those looking for a more transparent and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.

In terms of bottom housings, the Dolphin uses a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. This creates a consistent sound experience throughout the key press. Both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Dolphin providing a fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing and the Ink Red offering a more consistent clacky sound with its proprietary blend.

While the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Ink Red feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when keys are released. Whether you prefer the sharper and clearer sound of polycarbonate in the Dolphin or the consistent clacky sound of the proprietary INK blend in the Ink Red, both switches provide high-quality housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we can see some differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Gateron Ink Red has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force which means they are suitable for a wide range of users. The actuation force of the Dolphin is unspecified, whereas the Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Ink Red, while those looking for a slightly heavier push feel may opt for the Durock Dolphin. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dolphin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on personal preference. If you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more deliberate key press, the Gateron Ink Red may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a quicker, more responsive feel, the Durock Dolphin may be more suitable for your needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing users with a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. This makes them an excellent choice for quiet work environments where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a chirpy twist, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a unique acoustic signature. While the Dolphin switch provides a more subdued sound, the Ink Red switch brings a bit of flair with its chirpy characteristic.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished surface reduces friction and enhances the overall typing feel, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions. The Gateron Ink Red switch, on the other hand, is described as silky and mild, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, like the Dolphin switch, the Ink Red switch also boasts a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, while both the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Ink Red linear switches are linear switches that provide a satisfying typing experience, they do have different sound and feel characteristics. The Dolphin switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a bit more resistance, while the Ink Red switch is perfect for individuals with a lighter typing style who enjoy a smooth and effortless typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you plan to use the switches, you can achieve similar results in terms of typing satisfaction, albeit with differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you work in a quiet environment and prefer a switch with a bit more resistance, the Durock Dolphin may be the right choice for you with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g and muted, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red could be the better option with its silky feel, chirpy sound profile, and neutral actuation force requirement. Consider these factors carefully and choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more