Durock Dolphin vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew LT mechanical keyboard switches, we see that both are linear switches offering unique features. The Durock Dolphin stands out as a silent switch, perfect for environments where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a substantial feel that balances precision and a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches are known for their enticing lilac hue and offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with every keystroke. They provide a seamless glide that enhances the typing experience. While the Dolphin leans towards a more polished and muted feel, the LT offers a bassy and thocky 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew LT offer different sound profiles due to their composition. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend top housing of the LT offers a softer feel and a deep sound due to its unique plastic blend. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the LT's Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness, complementing the top housing's unique sound profile. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities influences the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
While the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew LT differ in composition and sound profiles, both switches offer a premium typing experience with unique characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the Dolphin's top housing creates a sharper sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the LT provides a deep and rich sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT enhance the overall typing experience with their softer plastic composition. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we can see that the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is lighter than the LT's 65 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but the bottom out force can give us an idea of the overall typing experience. The Dolphin switch would provide a more lightweight typing feel, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the LT switch with its heavier bottom out force would offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly longer than the Gazzew LT linear switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, the Dolphin offers a bit more depth when pressed. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the LT with its shorter distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Dolphin. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter switch option. In contrast, the Gazzew LT linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile that resonates with each keypress, offering a different auditory experience. The sound produced by either switch can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis, keycaps, and typing technique.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and provides a sleek feel when typing. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch is currently unavailable. While the feel of the LT switch remains a mystery, enthusiasts can expect a unique tactile experience based on the limited information available.
Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin and Gazzew LT linear switches, it's important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Dolphin switch excels in offering a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the LT switch stands out for its bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with a seamless glide during key presses. Depending on your priorities for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you choose the Dolphin or LT switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew LT linear switches, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you value a silent switch with a medium actuation force and a polished feel, the Dolphin may be the ideal choice for you, especially in office or noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a heavier actuation force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a colorful aesthetic, the Gazzew LT switches could be more fitting for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and environment. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
