Durock Dolphin vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Light Sakura stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different user preferences. The Durock Dolphin is celebrated for its silent operation and medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a satisfying press that balances precision and resistance—making it suitable for typists who appreciate a more substantial feel. Its polished, muted, and low-pitched characteristics enhance the typing experience, particularly in environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light feel, designed for users who prioritize comfort, especially during extended typing sessions. This switch's gentle actuation allows for fatigue reduction while maintaining a quiet operation, ideal for shared spaces and collaborative work environments. While both switches are equally adept at minimizing noise, your choice may ultimately come down to whether you prefer the Durock Dolphin's more pronounced feedback or the Bsun Light Sakura's feather-like touch. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Light Sakura, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This commonality leads to a distinct auditory signature characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The advantages of polycarbonate's stiffness result in a more resonant sound, which is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. Consequently, users can expect a similar aesthetic and auditory experience when using either switch, as the polycarbonate top enhances the overall clarity and brightness of the sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate vibrant lighting effects.
However, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The Dolphin employs a nylon bottom housing, which has notable acoustic properties that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. In contrast, the Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, which maintains the high-pitched characteristics seen in its top housing. This consistency in material essentially harmonizes the overall sound, leading to a more unified sound profile across the switch, albeit with less depth compared to the Dolphin.
The differences in the bottom housings' materials illustrate how the sound profile and feel of the switches can be influenced by the combination of materials used. For the Dolphin, the tension between the stiffer polycarbonate on the top and the softer nylon on the bottom creates a dynamic sound experience with distinct layers; the top offers clarity while the bottom provides warmth. Conversely, the Light Sakura’s use of polycarbonate on both the top and the bottom results in a more consistent and focused auditory signature. Users choosing between the two will notice that the Dolphin offers a deeper, more complex sound profile, while the Light Sakura provides clarity and consistency. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch with the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Dolphin lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to assess the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully depressed. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 43 grams. This information clearly positions the Light Sakura as the lighter option overall, providing easier key activation and potentially enhancing longer typing sessions. The Dolphin, being heavier with a higher bottom out force, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel while typing. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we find that the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Light Sakura measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Dolphin the longer of the two switches, providing a more significant depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a hearty tactile experience. On the other hand, gamers or those seeking quicker response times may favor the shorter distance of the Light Sakura, as it facilitates faster actuation. For individuals seeking a blend of responsiveness and depth, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Dolphin offering a bit more travel for a more deliberate keystroke, while the Light Sakura allows for a snappier feel.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched sound, creating a quieter typing experience that is ideal for shared workspaces or home offices. The subdued auditory profile minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, contributing to a more discreet typing environment. Though the Bsun Light Sakura is also designed with silence in mind, specific sound qualities are not detailed. However, both switches are purposefully crafted to maintain a quieter operation, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern.
When it comes to feel, the Dolphin offers a polished experience, distinguishing itself with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing sensation. This results in reduced friction and a more fluid key travel, creating a slick typing experience. The Light Sakura, in contrast, is noted for its ultra-light feel, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged usage; however, no additional texture or tactile feedback qualities are specified. Despite these differences, users will experience a comfortable typing experience with both switches, albeit with the Dolphin providing a heavier and possibly more tactile sensation.
In summary, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch features a polished feel and a muted, low-pitched sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch emphasizes a lightweight design for comfort during extended use, also maintaining a quiet operation. Both switches excel in providing a discreet typing experience, making them excellent options for any workspace. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a heavier feel with the Dolphins or a more soft and lightweight touch with the Light Sakura while still enjoying a low-noise environment in both cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Dolphin linear switches and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and work environment. If you favor a medium resistance and appreciate a bit more tactile feedback, the Durock Dolphin, with its bottom-out force of 62 grams, will likely suit you better. Its muted and low-pitched sound profiles make it an ideal pick for quieter office settings where you want to maintain focus without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, if you are after an ultra-light and effortless typing experience, particularly for long hours of use, the Light Sakura's gentle touch, with a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, might be your go-to. It's engineered for comfort and discretion, allowing you to type with ease while remaining considerate of those around you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you prefer a more substantial feel and sound or a lightweight and fatigue-reducing option.
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