Durock Dolphin vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and Keygeek Raw are excellent choices to consider. The Durock dolphins are silent switches, making them perfect for office settings or environments where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they offer a precise and satisfying press, making them ideal for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switches stand out for their unique material blend, combining nylon, UMPE, and silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch. While the Dolphin switches are categorized as polished, muted, low-pitched, the Keygeek Raw switches are labeled as textured, mild, neutral, subtle. Let's delve 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for enhancing RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing offers a different sound experience exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. While the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing brings its own unique qualities to the table.
Despite their differences, both the Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw emphasize the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a switch. While the Dolphin leans towards a crisper and resonant sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Keygeek Raw offers a sound experience exclusive to its switch lineup with its Nylon & UPE blend top housing. Similarly, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing provides a duller and rounder sound, while the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing brings a unique feel exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate of the Dolphin or the exclusive blends of the Keygeek Raw, each switch offers a unique sound profile and feel that caters to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is clear that they both have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the Durock Dolphin has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Keygeek Raw's bottom out force of 57.5 grams. This means that the Durock Dolphin would provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Keygeek Raw. Weight is an important factor to consider as lighter switches are preferred for long typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches are favored for a more substantial typing feel. In this case, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with the Durock Dolphin being slightly heavier than the Keygeek Raw.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Dolphin switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing, whereas the Keygeek Raw switch may feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keyboard feel 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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 stands out for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who work in environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings and user preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. This makes it an attractive option for those who appreciate a high-quality tactile sensation while typing. On the contrary, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured feel out of the box, providing a slightly different typing experience that some users may find appealing. With a mild and subtle resistance, the Keygeek Raw switch falls in the middle ground, suitable for a wide range of users.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a satisfying and precise typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation force and polished feel, ideal for users seeking a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a unique material blend that creates a creamy and lightweight typing experience, making it a great starting point for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. While both switches have their individual strengths in sound and feel, users can expect similar levels of quality and performance from both options, tailored to their specific preferences and usage requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, consider your workspace environment and personal preferences. If you value a silent switch with a heavier actuation force and polished feel, the Durock Dolphin may be the right choice for you, especially if you work in a noise-sensitive setting like an office. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw could be more suitable, especially if you enjoy hand-lubing your switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual typing style and the specific characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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