Durock Dolphin vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch with the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Dolphin is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for quiet work environments, while the Kiwi offers a satisfying tactile bump for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. The Dolphin features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a substantial feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is lightly factory lubed for a smooth typing experience right out of the box and offers a snappy sound profile that enhances the overall typing 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the TKC Kiwi offer unique characteristics that can greatly impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Both materials are known for their translucency, making them ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the UHWMPE provides a brighter and more resonant sound.
Nylon is used for the Dolphin's bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its bottom housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Both materials bring distinct qualities to the switches, impacting the overall sound and feel when typing. While nylon creates a duller and rounder sound profile, UHWMPE provides a brighter and more resonant sound, offering users a variety of options based on their preferences.
The top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. The different characteristics of polycarbonate and UHWMPE in the top housings of the Dolphin and Kiwi switches respectively, as well as nylon and UHWMPE in the bottom housings, result in unique combinations that cater to different preferences. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the qualities of each housing material can help users choose the ideal switch for their specific typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, some key differences stand out. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, whereas the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dolphin. In terms of bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams of force to fully press down, while the Kiwi requires 67 grams. This makes the Kiwi the heavier option in terms of bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Kiwi due to its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Dolphin for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4mm travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin being on the shorter end and the Kiwi being slightly longer, the difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Dolphin, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Kiwi. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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 produces a muted and low-pitched sound, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience in shared environments. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a satisfying and immersive typing sound without being too loud or distracting. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch provides a stepped and accented tactile feel, delivering a moderate bump at the top of each key press without being too overwhelming or subtle. Both switches offer distinctive tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience, so the decision between them will depend on whether you prefer a smoother or more pronounced tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin provides a silent and medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for those seeking a switch with more resistance, while the Kiwi offers a tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, enhancing your typing experience right out of the box. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices depending on your sound and feel preferences, and either one will provide a high-quality typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quiet workspace, the Dolphin switches would be ideal with their muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump at the top of each keystroke, the Kiwi switches offer a unique feel. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come factory lubed for a smooth typing experience, while the Dolphin switches provide a polished finish for reduced friction. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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