Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment. The Durock Dolphin is designed for those who value a quieter workspace, offering a muted and polished typing experience. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use, making it ideal for users who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches introduce a blend of innovation with their unique POK stem design, and a housing material crafted from Nylon and POM. Although specific details about actuation force or sound profile are not available, Gateron switches are generally recognized for their smooth linear action, which can lead to a swift and enjoyable typing experience. While the Dolphin excels in silent operation, the Mars aims to enhance overall feel through its innovative design. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Mars switches, a notable difference in their sound profiles stems from the materials used in their top housings. The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced light diffusion. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to be warmer and rounder compared to the Dolphin. This divergence in top housing materials means that users can expect distinct auditory experiences when engaging with each switch, with the Dolphin providing a more resonant sound and the Mars delivering a more muted and rounded sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to create a commonality in their sound characteristics. The use of nylon in the Dolphin's bottom housing similarly contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, mirroring the acoustic qualities found in the Mars. However, the Mars differentiates itself by employing a POM bottom housing, which has a unique signature that also tends to be more muted, presenting a slightly distinct feel when bottoming out. While the Dolphin may lean towards a balanced sound due to its dual nylon housings, the Mars' combination of a nylon top and POM bottom creates a more nuanced audio experience. This means that despite the presence of a shared material in their bottom housings, the impact of the POM bottom in the Mars layer still yields a significant difference in overall performance.
Ultimately, these switches exemplify how the interplay of different housing materials can influence typists' experiences. The Dolphin, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, is likely to cater to those seeking clarity and brightness in their keystrokes, while the Mars offers a more rounded and satisfying typing experience owing to its nylon and POM combinations. While both switches exhibit deeper sound profiles due to their common use of nylon on the bottom, the distinct top materials lead to varied auditory responses upon actuation and release. As a result, switching between the two can offer an array of experiences based solely on the sound and feel differences that stem from these materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. This means that while the Mars is lighter and may be preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, the Dolphin offers a heavier push, potentially satisfying those who enjoy a more significant tactile experience in their typing. Ultimately, users seeking lighter switches will gravitate towards the Gateron Mars, while those who prefer heavier options might favor the Durock Dolphin.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Mars linear switches, the Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mars has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Dolphin provides a more profound keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a heartier typing experience and deeper feedback. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Mars may cater to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, making it a compelling option for those who prioritize speed in their typing or gaming sessions. As a result, users who enjoy a more pronounced key feel might gravitate towards the Durock Dolphin, whereas those who prefer a snappier action may find the Gateron Mars more to their liking. Overall, while the difference in travel distance is modest, it plays a significant role in user preference and experience.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it an ideal option for those who require a quieter keyboard environment, such as in offices or shared workspaces. The soft sounds produced by these switches significantly reduce the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a more conducive atmosphere for concentration. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch does not have a specified sound description available; however, it is essential to remember that the overall sound experience can also vary based on factors like keycap choice and the keyboard case.
When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switches excel with a polished design that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g provides a satisfying resistance that many users appreciate, offering a balance of precision and comfort. The absence of detailed descriptions regarding the feel of the Mars switches leaves an aspect of uncertainty, yet it is worth noting that both switches’ performance can lead to similarly pleasant typing experiences, especially for users who appreciate linear switch characteristics.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out for its quiet operation and polished feel, making it a deserving choice for those prioritizing a quiet and smooth typing experience. While the Gateron Mars linear switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptions, it may still offer complementary qualities that appeal to different user preferences. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying performance, although the Durock Dolphin is more defined in its acoustics and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you work in a shared space or prefer a quieter keyboard experience, the Durock Dolphins are the way to go. Their muted sound profile and low-pitched tones make them perfect for office settings, allowing you to type without disturbing others. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams also provides a satisfying and substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a switch with a bit of resistance. On the other hand, if you're more interested in innovative design and unique materials, the Gateron Mars can be a great choice. While the specifics about their sound and feel are less defined compared to the Dolphin, their POK stem and housing blend offer potential for a distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, consider your environment and personal preferences—if silence and tactile feedback matter most, go for the Durock Dolphins; if you're drawn to novelty and material innovation, give the Gateron Mars a shot.
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