Durock Dolphin vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Meteor White mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The Dolphin, with its silent operation and medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, is perfect for office environments or those looking for a switch with a bit more resistance. Its polished and low-pitched sound profile adds to its appeal. On the other hand, the Meteor White is described as subdued and gentle, offering a soft type feel and a pitter-patter sound profile. With its easy push and thocky feel, it provides a different typing experience. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Meteor White both boast unique housing materials for their switches. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they each have their own benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Dolphin's top housing is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon materials. This means that typing on switches for both the Dolphin and the Meteor White will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches. This similarity in housing material suggests that the two switches may provide a similar sound and feel when it comes to typing.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Meteor White, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. This split results in different impacts on the sound and feel of the switches depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting go. The top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is slightly lighter at a medium-light level. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, which means the force required to trigger a keystroke is not specified. When comparing the two, the Dolphin switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Meteor White switch. For those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Dolphin switch may be the preferred choice. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Meteor White switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm while the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Dolphin's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Meteor White's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it's evident that they offer different auditory experiences. The Dolphin switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch produces a neutral and thocky sound, offering a deep and rich tone when pressed. Both switches cater to individuals with different preferences when it comes to sound profiles, with the Dolphin being more subdued and the Meteor White having a slightly more pronounced sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing experience, with the Dolphin offering a more refined feel and the Meteor White providing a softer touch.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities to cater to different user preferences. While the Dolphin switch is known for its heavier actuation force and muted sound, the Meteor White switch stands out for its gentle feel and thocky sound profile. Depending on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a softer touch, both switches provide distinct characteristics that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the specific environment and typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and a muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Dolphin may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, easy-to-push switch with a medium-light actuation force and a neutral, thocky sound profile, the Meteor White could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and workplace noise levels.
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