Durock Dolphin vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Neo Lavender HE present two distinct options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, is renowned for its silent operation, making it an excellent fit for office settings or any workspace where noise control is paramount. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a firm yet satisfying tactile response that appeals to users who appreciate a bit more resistance during typing. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE is a hall effect switch that delivers a clean, low sound, standing out in the realm of magnetic switches and specifically engineered for compatibility with Wooting keyboards. While the Dolphin excels in providing a polished and muted experience, the Lavender HE offers a unique, innovative approach to switch technology. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Neo Lavender HE switches present a clear contrast in their top constructions while exhibiting similarities in their bottom housings. The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear audio experience, particularly beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of illuminated switches. In contrast, the Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon results in a more muted audio experience, absorbing sound and creating a rounder tone compared to the polycarbonate material. This fundamental difference in top housing material fundamentally affects the auditory experience when typing on these switches.

When observing the bottom housings of both switches, they both employ nylon, resulting in a similar acoustic profile. The nylon material serves to create a deeper, fuller sound by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This shared characteristic indicates that while the top housings may produce contrasting sound signatures, the foundation laid by the nylon bottoms of both switches is consistent. As a result, users can expect a harmonious sound quality from both switches when bottoming out, given that the nylon bottom profoundly influences the overall aural experience.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Durock Dolphin and Neo Lavender HE result in differentiated sound profiles during key presses. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top delivers a clearer and crisper sound, the Lavender HE's nylon top provides a more contained and rounded auditory experience. However, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housings for both switches suggests that the overall bottom-out sound and feel will be similarly deep and resonant, offering a familiar experience regardless of the switch type. Therefore, users can appreciate the distinct qualities brought forth by each switch's top housing, while also finding a unifying depth of acoustics in their bottom housings.

Weight

The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, but its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This difference means that while the Durock Dolphin may demand more effort to fully depress, its actuation sensitivity is not specified, which could affect its typing experience. The Lavender HE, being more suited for long typing sessions or gaming due to its lower force requirements, offers a more forgiving touch. Therefore, if you prefer a heavier, more substantial typing feel, the Durock Dolphin may appeal to you, while those favoring a lighter touch should consider the Neo Lavender HE.

Travel distance

The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, resulting in a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect comparable results in terms of key actuation and overall responsiveness. This uniformity may appeal to those who prioritize consistency in their typing experience, as both switches will deliver the same depth of travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound qualities of the Durock Dolphin linear switch, you will find it to be notably muted and low-pitched. This design makes it an ideal option for environments where noise control is essential, as the softer and quieter sound profile helps minimize disruptions. On the other hand, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for having a clean and low sound, specific descriptors and comparisons to the Dolphin's sound characteristics are not provided. This may indicate a potentially more versatile sound quality, but ultimately, both switches lean towards a quieter operation compared to standard mechanical switches.

In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch offers a polished experience, meaning it has been refined to provide smooth key travel, likely due to high-quality materials and perhaps factory lubing. This results in a more satisfying and comfortable typing experience, which is particularly desirable for extended use. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the feel of the Neo Lavender HE switch; thus, a direct comparison cannot be made. Without this insight, it's challenging to gauge whether the overall typing experience would rival that of the Dolphin.

In summary, while both the Durock Dolphin and the Neo Lavender HE bring unique qualities to the table, the Dolphin excels in sound dampening and provides a smooth, polished feel that many typists appreciate. The Lavender HE’s sound is clean, but further information is needed regarding its tactile characteristics. Ultimately, while the Dolphin has established itself as a solid choice for silent, comfortable typing, the potential of the Lavender HE remains somewhat unexplored. If they are to be compared, it may be best to try both to determine which fits your preferences more closely.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself in a shared workspace or you simply prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on feel, the Durock Dolphins are the ideal selection. Their medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams affords a robust typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate tactile feedback and polished performance. On the other hand, if you favor a lightweight switch with a clean sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent option. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams makes it a breeze to type on, especially during long sessions, and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards opens up opportunities for more advanced functionalities. Consider your environment and typing style carefully—choosing the right switch can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more