Durock Dolphin vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer unique and distinct experiences for users. The Durock Dolphins stand out for their silent operation, making them perfect for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a balance of precision and satisfaction for those who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are renowned for their sharp tactile feel, offering a premium typing experience with a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump. The distinctive sound and feel of the Moyu Blacks create a truly impactful 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT top housing offers a neutral sound profile that is not as crisp but also not dull. The difference in sound profiles between these two materials showcases how the housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dolphin's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Similarly, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT bottom housing offers a neutral sound profile, contributing to the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have different housing materials, they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. The Dolphin's combination of polycarbonate and nylon delivers a sharp, resonant sound profile, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more neutral sound profile with its PBT housing materials. Whether it be a sharper sound or a deeper sound, both switches provide users with a variety of options to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it has a light touch for triggering keystrokes, while its bottom out force is 62 grams, providing a medium resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an actuation force of 50 grams, offering a slightly heavier touch compared to the Dolphin, and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. This difference in weight can affect the typing experience, with the Dolphin being lighter and more suitable for long typing sessions, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 typing experience, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter option. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch provides a resonant, clean, and sharp sound profile that offers an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offers an accented and sharp tactile feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Both switches offer a medium-heavy actuation force, but the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch provides a more prominent tactile feedback compared to the Durock Dolphin switch.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is perfect for users who appreciate a sharp tactile sensation and a more resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for office settings or shared spaces, the Durock Dolphin with its muted and low-pitched sound is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a premium typing experience with sharp and accentuated tactile feedback, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a unique blend of PBT housing and a strong tactility that creates a distinct typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize silence and a smooth typing experience (Durock Dolphin) or a sharp tactile feedback and impactful sound (Everglide Moyu Black). Choose wisely based on your preferences and typing needs.
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