Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch that stands out for its silence, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments like offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a balance between precision and a satisfying press, ideal for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is also a linear switch but is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. It offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a distinct sound profile reminiscent of a shaken can of spray paint. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Luciola is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different user preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Luciola both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound profile, while the INK blend material offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Both materials are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, with the Dolphin focusing on clarity and the Luciola on a satisfying clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dolphin features a nylon material that produces a deep and full sound, thanks to its softer properties that absorb more sound and create a duller tone. On the other hand, the Luciola also uses its proprietary INK blend material for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound to its top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their choice of housing materials, showcasing how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Luciola, it is evident that both switches have distinct characteristics based on their top and bottom housing materials. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, while its nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend material is consistent throughout both the top and bottom housing, providing a pointed and satisfying clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both have medium bottom out forces, with the Dolphin being slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Luciola at 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Luciola is 55 grams, while the Dolphin's actuation force is not specified. When comparing the two switches, weight is an important factor to consider. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Luciola for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Dolphin for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Luciola the shorter of the two switches when comparing travel distance. The Dolphin falls within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. In contrast, the Luciola may provide a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a modern alternative to the traditional 4.0mm travel distance, allowing users to choose what suits their preferences best. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dolphin or Luciola will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for speed or a slightly longer one for a more substantial key press 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 is known for its muted and low-pitched profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience in shared environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a more lively and percussive typing sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Dolphin leaning towards a softer and more subtle sound, while the Luciola provides a more distinct and varied auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy and buttery feel, providing a responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile response, with the Dolphin focusing on a sleek and polished feel, while the Luciola emphasizes responsiveness and smooth key actuation.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in providing a muted and low-pitched typing sound, along with a polished and refined key feel. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, clacky and varied sound profile, and snappy and buttery typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics, with both options providing a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience, the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice for office settings or shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a more visually appealing switch that glows in the dark and enjoy a bouncier typing feel, the Gateron Luciola could be a great option. Additionally, if you lean towards a switch with a muted and low-pitched sound profile, the Dolphin may suit your preference. However, if you prefer a switch with a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, the Luciola might be more to your liking. Lastly, when it comes to the feel of the switches, if you enjoy a polished and refined typing experience, the Dolphin could be your choice, but if you prefer a snappy, buttery, and polished feel, the Luciola might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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