Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch renowned for its silent operation, making it ideal for quiet office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a balanced feel that combines precision with a satisfying press, making it perfect for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly linear switch loved for its smoothness and buttery feel. Known for its low, "thocky" sound and thick resistance, it excels in both typing and gaming, making it a versatile switch for all-purpose use. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, creating a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound to produce a rounder tone. While polycarbonate excels in showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, nylon offers a classic aesthetic with its opaque finish.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound for a duller tone. However, the Dolphin's housing combination results in a split between the top and bottom sound qualities. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced with the nylon bottom housing, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing ensures a cohesive sound experience without the split effect seen in the Dolphin.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and clearer sound with vibrant RGB lighting capabilities, while the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a classic opaque finish. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on the user's priorities in sound quality and visual appeal.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is extremely light to press, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The Dolphin switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, which can be preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Dolphin switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch may be better for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch boasts a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, providing a deep and rich auditory feedback that is satisfying to the ears. Both switches excel in different sound characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on your preference for sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery and textured, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience with noticeable friction that may appeal to some users. Again, the choice between the two switches would rely on whether you prefer a smoother or textured typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet and polished typing experience, the Dolphin switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep, rich, and buttery typing sound with some texture, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices depending on your preference for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience either way.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you need a silent switch for an office or workspace where noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin would be a suitable option with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a versatile switch that excels in both gaming and typing scenarios with a smooth and buttery feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice. Ultimately, your preference for resistance, sound profile, and typing experience will help determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Mentioned in this article
