Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both cater to office environments with their silent typing experience. The Dolphin offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch from Gateron provides a quieter yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation, designed for unobtrusive typing in professional settings. The Dolphin switch is described as polished, muted, and low-pitched, while the Mountain Top switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Mountain Top switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the different materials used for the top housing, both switches offer a translucent option for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting setup.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and the Mountain Top switches utilize nylon for a softer and more absorbent material. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The absorption of sound by the nylon material creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Although the bottom housing may not be as noticeable as the top housing in terms of sound impact, it still plays a role in influencing the overall typing experience.
While the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Mountain Top switches may differ in their choice of top housing material, both switches ultimately provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their construction. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced sound profile when typing on the switches. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound profile from a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a variety of options to suit different preferences.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Mountain Top has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the Dolphin is 62 grams, which is on the medium side, providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. In comparison, the Mountain Top has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Mountain Top more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Dolphin switch for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Dolphin offers a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses, while the Mountain Top provides a slightly quicker actuation for those who prefer a more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key 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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, creating a softer and bass-heavy typing experience ideal for quiet office environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a more neutral sound, catering to a wider audience with a moderate sound profile suitable for various settings. Both switches provide a discreet typing experience, with the Dolphin being slightly quieter but the Mountain Top offering a more versatile option for different users and scenarios.
When it comes to feel, 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 Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel, giving users a range of tactile sensations from spring-like feedback to gentle resistance. While the Dolphin focuses on a polished typing experience, the Mountain Top switch offers a more dynamic and responsive feel, suited for those who enjoy a lively and low-impact typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel, perfect for users who prefer a switch with more resistance and precision. In comparison, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a quieter yet more versatile sound profile and a range of tactile sensations, catering to a wider audience with different preferences. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and personalized choice regardless of which option you choose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and require a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphin switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you work in a professional setting that demands discretion and prefer a lighter actuation force, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs, so choose based on your specific requirements for sound, feel, and use case.
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