Durock Dolphin vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right one can significantly impact your typing experience, particularly if you're considering linear options like the Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keylin. The Durock Dolphin switches stand out for their silent operation, making them an ideal choice for office environments or shared workspaces where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they strike a balance between precision and a satisfying press, catering to users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin switches are engineered using new molds to deliver a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, appealing to enthusiasts who value fluidity during prolonged typing sessions. Both switches have their unique strengths, with the Durock Dolphins leaning towards quiet efficiency and tactile satisfaction, while the Keylins promise a superior auditory and tactile experience. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keylin feature distinctly different materials for their top housings, which greatly influences their respective sound profiles and aesthetics. The Dolphin employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its rigid nature. This results in a high-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, especially when combined with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the lighting. In contrast, the Keylin opts for a nylon top housing, a classic choice that imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience, thereby giving the Keylin a different tactile response that emphasizes warmth over clarity.
Both the Durock Dolphin and the Keygeek Keylin share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a similar depth and fullness to the sound produced, as nylon is known for its acoustic dampening qualities. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress, resulting in a consistent experience between the two models in this regard. Regardless of their top housing differences, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches provide a pleasant tactile feedback while maintaining a round sound profile during keystrokes.
Overall, the combination of materials in the Durock Dolphin and Keygeek Keylin creates distinct user experiences. The contrasting top housing materials lead to different auditory profiles, with polycarbonate offering sharper sounds and nylon lending a richer depth. However, the shared nylon bottom housing allows both switches to produce similar feedback and sound characteristics when bottomed out. Ultimately, users seeking a more transparent, resonant sound may prefer the Dolphin, while those who appreciate a warmer, muted typing experience may gravitate toward the Keylin.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, suggesting a softer touch overall. This means that while the Dolphin switch may provide a firmer and potentially more robust typing feel, the Keylin switch is easier to actuate and avoids the fatigue that can come with heavier switches, making it more suitable for prolonged use. Therefore, the Keylin can be considered the lighter option, while the Dolphin is the heavier choice, appealing to users with different preferences for tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to various user preferences. The Durock Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer of the two options, while the Keygeek Keylin has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Keylin's shorter distance may be more appealing, particularly for gaming purposes, where speed can enhance performance. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key might prefer the Dolphin's deeper travel. Thus, the choice between these two switches boils down to individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness in a keyboard.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 as a muted option, producing a softer and quieter noise profile that fosters a more serene typing environment. This switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, which contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the sharper sounds produced by clackier switches. While the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is noted for delivering rich acoustics, specific details about its sound profile remain unknown. However, one can expect that the Keylin, also designed for a premium experience, might not be as quiet as the Dolphin, particularly if its acoustics lean towards a more pronounced character.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin offers a polished experience, characterized by a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. The combination of materials or effective factory lubing reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel, providing a satisfying tactile engagement with each keystroke. The feel of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is less defined in this context, so any specific tactile qualities or smoothness levels remain undetermined. Nevertheless, given its design focus, it would be reasonable to expect that it provides a pleasant typing experience, potentially making it feel comparable to the Dolphin.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in both sound and feel, making it a reliable choice for anyone needing a quiet yet satisfying typing solution, especially in shared workspaces. The muted and low-pitched sound profile, combined with a polished feel, offers a compelling case for those prioritizing discretion and comfort. Although the Keygeek Keylin linear switch lacks detailed descriptions for sound and feel, its promise of a premium typing experience suggests that it could also meet high expectations, albeit possibly with a different auditory character. Ultimately, both switches cater to users seeking a smooth linear experience, but the Dolphin clearly shines in its sound minimization, which may be crucial for specific environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch depends largely on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience in an office or shared workspace, the Dolphin's muted sound and medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams can provide the satisfying resistance you might enjoy while minimizing noise disruption. Its polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a switch that delivers exceptional smoothness, the Keylin with its 48-gram actuation force may be the better option. Its premium typing experience is characterized by rich acoustics that add depth to your keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and speed are priorities. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing style and the specific environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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