Durock Dolphin vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are linear switches offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. The Durock Dolphins are favored for their silent operation, making them perfect for quiet office settings, while the Cherry MX Black switches, now improved with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, offer a classic textured smoothness that is also relatively quiet when typing. The Dolphin switches have a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a balance between precision and a satisfying press, whereas the MX Black switches have a stiffer feel with a deeper sound profile. Choosing between the two switches may depend on whether you prioritize a bit more resistance and a muted typing experience with the Durock Dolphins, or prefer a textured smoothness and a stiffer keystroke with the Cherry MX Blacks. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and Cherry MX Black switches, it is evident that polycarbonate is utilized for the top housing of the Dolphin, while nylon is used for the top housing of the MX Black. Polycarbonate is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that prioritize clarity and resonance. On the other hand, nylon in the MX Black delivers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. The difference in top housing materials contributes significantly to the auditory experience of typing on these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Durock Dolphin and Cherry MX Black switches feature nylon for this component. While nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that enhances sound quality, it is worth noting that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With nylon's ability to absorb sound efficiently, users can expect a duller and rounder tone when typing on switches like the Dolphin and MX Black. Despite the shared bottom housing material, the unique qualities of nylon help to differentiate the typing experience between these two switches.
In summary, while the Durock Dolphin and Cherry MX Black switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin produces a crisper and more resonant sound profile, contrasting with the deeper and fuller sound elicited by the nylon top housing of the MX Black. Whether you prefer a sharper tone or a rounder tone while typing, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to your preference for sound quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. This means that the Dolphin will require a lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Dolphin is 62 grams, while the MX Black's bottom out force is 80 grams, making the MX Black the heavier option. This means that the MX Black will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Dolphin may be the better choice, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the MX Black for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Dolphin. The difference between the two is minimal, but it may be noticeable to some users. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Dolphin may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the MX Black. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so users can expect comparable results from both.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This makes the Dolphin a great choice for those looking for a switch that won't disturb others in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is also low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Dolphin being slightly quieter overall.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish enhances the overall feel of the switch, providing a sleek and comfortable typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff, with noticeable friction and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. While some users may prefer the textured feel of the MX Black, others may find the Dolphin's polished finish to be more appealing for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. The Dolphin excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience, perfect for office environments or users who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the MX Black offers a classic smoothness with a textured feel and higher actuation force. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Dolphin leaning towards a quieter and smoother typing feel, while the MX Black offers a textured and stiffer typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to your specific preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience and environment. If you prioritize a quieter keyboard with a medium actuation force and a polished typing feel, the Durock Dolphin switch would be a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a classic textured smoothness in sound, the Cherry MX Black switch with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling might be more to your liking. Consider your typing preferences and workspace needs when making your decision between these two switches.
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