Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Jupiter Brown stand out with 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, perfect for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that merges tradition with innovation, offering a classic keystroke feel with a single-stage spring mechanism. Both switches boast high-precision molds and enhanced aesthetics, but the Dolphin is more 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', while the Jupiter Brown is 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Jupiter Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. By using the same material for their top housing, both switches are likely to produce similar sound profiles and aesthetic effects when in use.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Dolphin and the Jupiter Brown feature nylon, a material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound. With nylon used in the bottom housing of both switches, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a focus on delivering a satisfying, tactile sound profile that enhances the overall typing feel.
When comparing the two switches, one key difference lies in the distribution of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch. The Durock Dolphin splits its housing materials, with polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing. This setup allows for the qualities of each material to impact different aspects of the typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown utilizes the same material, polycarbonate, for both the top and bottom housing, potentially delivering a more consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel throughout each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force of None grams, while the Jupiter Brown requires 55 grams to actuate. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dolphin at 62 grams and the Jupiter Brown at 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dolphin more favorable for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Jupiter Brown offers a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Dolphin due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual 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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 tone, making it a great choice if you prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has no specific sound descriptors provided, but it generally offers a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. Both switches can produce similar results in sound depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as mild and polished as well, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown switch is mentioned to have a stepped feel, which implies that it may have a subtle two-stage tactile feedback compared to the Dolphin linear switch.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin switch excels in providing a quiet and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, while the Jupiter Brown switch combines tradition with innovation for a tactile and aesthetically pleasing keystroke. In the end, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the environment you'll be using them in and your personal preference for sound and feel. If you need a silent switch for an office or quiet workspace, the Dolphin is a great choice with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a smooth and polished feel, the Dolphin's 62g bottom out force and polished design may suit you well. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Brown offers a classic keystroke feel with a mild, polished touch. Ultimately, select the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and work environment for a satisfying and efficient typing experience.
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