Durock Dolphin vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stand out as two popular linear options. The Durock Dolphins are ideal for those seeking a silent typing experience, perfect for office settings or shared workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a satisfying press and are well-suited for users who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, giving them a unique and vibrant feel. Their light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding flair to any keyboard setup. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to both switches. However, the Dolphin also features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Dolphin switch.
Despite both switches sharing the same top housing material, the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 differ in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Dolphin utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the Dolphin offering a quieter and more rounded typing experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3's more resonant and clear sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The split between nylon and polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings of the Dolphin allows for a nuanced sound profile, with a deeper bottom-out sound attributed to the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the full polycarbonate construction of the Lightning Silver V3 results in a sharper and crisper sound profile overall. Whether one prefers the softer and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing material choices.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force of None grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dolphin requiring 62 grams and the Lightning Silver V3 needing 60 grams to bottom out. This means that while the Dolphin may provide a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, both switches offer a medium bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular with gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Dolphin switch provides a bit more depth compared to the Lightning Silver V3. If you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, the Dolphin switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quicker response and a shorter travel distance, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is best known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for those looking to minimize noise in their workspace. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a unique flair to typing sessions. Depending on personal preference, individuals can choose between the softer, bass-heavy sound of the Dolphin or the crisp, bright tones of the Lightning Silver V3.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it a favorite among those seeking a sleek typing feel. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch, on the other hand, is known for its silky typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth keypress that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Dolphin excels in providing a muted and low-pitched sound along with a polished typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile and silky smooth keypresses. Depending on whether a quieter, refined typing experience or a more lively, vibrant sound is desired, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing feel and sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience on different levels.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a silent typing experience and prefer a switch with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin may be the better choice for you, especially in office environments where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a smooth typing experience and a slightly lighter actuation force, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the switch that suits your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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