Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Melodic offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphins are favored for their silent operation, making them ideal for quieter environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force, they provide a satisfying press with precision, perfect for those seeking a switch with some resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic stands out in the clicky switch category by offering a smooth and tactile experience with a classic clicky sound. This switch is infused with advanced features like factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a buttery feel and resonant feedback. While the Dolphin excels in a muted, low-pitched profile, the Melodic is described as invigorating and crunchy. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Melodic are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design of the switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Melodic differ slightly in their choice of material. The Dolphin uses a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Melodic also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities in terms of the sound produced when typing on the switch.
Overall, while both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their nylon bottom housing provides a subtle distinction in the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these nuances, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel from both the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Melodic due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, both switches have a similar medium weight with the Dolphin having a bottom out force of 62 grams and the Melodic at 60 grams. The actuation force for both switches is unspecified, but considering their bottom out force, it can be assumed that they may have a similar actuation force as well. In general, a lighter actuation force is preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the Dolphin and Melodic switches would come down to personal preference for the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Melodic's 4 mm. The Dolphin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Melodic's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both options fall within the spectrum of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin being slightly shorter and the Melodic being a bit longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for 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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 profile that is soft and bass-heavy, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound that is clean, sharp, and reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, you can choose between the quieter, more subdued sound of the Dolphin or the more lively, clicky sound of the Melodic.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to either the materials used or factory lubrication. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. If you enjoy a more refined and polished typing experience, the Dolphin may be the choice for you, whereas if you prefer a buttery and invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, the Melodic is the way to go.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Dolphin excels in providing a quieter and more substantial typing experience, while the Melodic shines in delivering a clicky and tactile feedback-rich typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, you can choose between the muted, low-pitched Dolphin and the resonant, crunchy Melodic for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a certain quality in one switch but not the other, you can achieve similar results by customizing your keyboard setup with specific keycaps or accessories to tailor the sound and feel to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, you should consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for office use or any setting where noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin with its medium 62g bottom out force would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness, the Gateron Melodic, with its 60g bottom out force and advanced features such as factory lubing and dual-railed stems, would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
