Durock Dolphin vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the Durock Medium Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Dolphin is a linear switch, known for its silent operation which makes it perfect for office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press with a bit more resistance, ideal for those who prefer a switch with a substantial feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, with a jelly-like sound signature. It is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. However, while they both share these qualities in their top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housings.
On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin and Durock Medium Tactile have different bottom housings, with the Dolphin featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Medium Tactile also utilizing nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housings, the impact on the sound and feel of bottoming out the key may differ between the two.
In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin and Durock Medium Tactile share similar top housings made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings made of nylon offer different sound profiles. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing may result in a quieter and rounder sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing, as well as the aesthetic appeal of the translucent polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option, while the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier at a medium-heavy weight. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, which means that the force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches is unknown. When comparing weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users may be able to achieve similar results with either switch depending on their personal preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Dolphin offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile provides a slightly deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired responsiveness and feel. Players seeking faster key presses may lean towards the Dolphin, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Medium Tactile.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched sound signature, which is great for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound profile, providing a unique auditory feedback that may appeal to users looking for something a bit different. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as keyboard chassis and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is characterized by its accented tactility, providing a balanced amount of tactile feedback without being overpowering. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is also described as stepped and mild, offering a typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, while the Medium Tactile switch provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve. However, both switches offer high-quality construction and performance that will satisfy the demands of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch that is silent and has a medium actuation force, the Durock Dolphin would be a great choice for you. It offers a substantial feel with a satisfying press, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be the way to go. With its pronounced yet balanced tactility, it provides a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for linear versus tactile feel, as well as your workspace noise considerations. Both switches offer quality performance and distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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