Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, is a standout option due to its silent operation, making it perfect for office environments or quiet workspaces where noise levels are a concern. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g strikes a nice balance, offering a satisfying press without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch presents a distinctively tactile and auditory experience, known for its bright and clacky sound. This hall effect switch is ideal for those looking to enhance their typing experience with superior acoustics, making it a top choice for gamers or typists who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Both switches cater to different needs: the Dolphin prioritizes silence and subtlety, while the Magnetic Jade celebrates sound and tactile engagement. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches exhibit a striking similarity in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material is instrumental in crafting a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched tones. Polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness allows for greater resonance, which makes it an ideal candidate for those seeking a crisper auditory experience while typing. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the aesthetic appeal of translucency, rendering them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, as the clear polycarbonate allows light to diffuse beautifully.
In stark contrast, the bottom housings of these switches adopt nylon, positioning them firmly within the realm of classic switch materials. This decision leads to a comparison in sound profiles: while polycarbonate creates a bright and clear tone from the top, the nylon bottom contributes a considerably different aural quality. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a fuller, deeper acoustic response. Consequently, the typing experience on both the Dolphin and Magnetic Jade switches is affected by the interplay of these materials, with the nylon bottom housing enriching the overall soundscape by providing a rounder and more subdued character.
Thus, when considering the overall performance of these switches, it becomes evident that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings leads to a well-rounded typing experience. The polycarbonate top delivers a crisp sound with visual appeal, while the nylon bottom enhances the final auditory result with its deep, impactful tones. Even though both switch models utilize these materials in the same configurations, the distinct contributions of each housing create a multifaceted sound profile that can satisfy both auditory preferences and aesthetic desires, making either option a favorable choice for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we see notable distinctions in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin's specific actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 62 grams, categorizing it as medium. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. This means that while the Dolphin might feel heavier when bottoming out, the lighter actuation force of the Magnetic Jade makes it more accessible for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended use, the Magnetic Jade is the preferable choice, whereas those seeking a more substantial feel might consider the Dolphin desirable due to its heavier bottom out force, despite the unknown actuation force. Overall, if simulating similar results in terms of typing experience, users might lean towards the Magnetic Jade for lighter engagements or the Dolphin for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Magnetic Jade measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Durock Dolphin the longer option, offering a more substantial depth when pressed, which might appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times for faster gameplay. Ultimately, if you lean towards a switch that feels less abrupt, the Dolphin is the better choice, while the Magnetic Jade suits those who prioritize agility and rapid key presses.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch is designed to produce a muted sound profile, often characterized by a soft, low-pitched tone that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for quiet environments, such as offices, where reducing sound levels can be crucial for maintaining productivity. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a bright and clacky sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can enhance the typing experience, providing a more engaging auditory environment. However, it is important to note that the actual sound produced can vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch boasts a polished sensation that contributes to a smooth and refined typing surface. The factory lubing and quality materials incorporated in its design ensure reduced friction and an overall seamless key travel experience, which many typists find delightful. The actuation force of 62g offers a medium-heavy resistance that adds a satisfying weight to each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Magnetic Jade switch is unknown, but the reputation of Gateron’s designs typically aligns with a smooth experience, potentially making it appealing for users who prefer linear switches.
In summary, while both the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches serve distinct purposes and cater to different preferences, they excel in their own ways. The Dolphin is perfect for those who prioritize silence and a polished typing experience, making it particularly suitable for office use, while the Magnetic Jade appeals to users looking for vibrant acoustics and engaging tactile feedback. Depending on your specific requirements and preferred typing environment, either one could enhance your mechanical keyboard experience significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in a quieter environment, such as an office or shared workspace, where noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin is an ideal match. With its muted low-pitched sound profile and a bottom-out force of 62 grams, it provides a refined and polished typing experience that balances enough resistance for precision without being overly taxing on your fingers. It's a great choice for those who appreciate a silent typing environment while still wanting a substantial feel in their keypresses. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lively and engaging typing experience, especially when enhancing your gaming setup with a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, then the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the way to go. With a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound, it delivers an energetic feedback that's perfect for making your keystrokes feel more dynamic and satisfying. In the end, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth experience or a more vibrant and acoustically rich one.
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