Durock Dolphin vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth comparing are the Durock Dolphin, a silent linear switch, and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a tactile switch that enhances typing feel. The Durock Dolphin is favored for its muted operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it offers a substantial resistance that strikes a perfect balance between precision and a satisfying press, catering to users who prefer a more robust feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a distinctive tactile bump, designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, for those who enjoy feedback during typing without the loud clicking noise associated with some other tactile switches. Each switch brings its own strengths to the table: the Dolphin offers quiet performance and a solid actuation for focused work, while the MX Purple promotes a more engaged typing experience with its tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your individual needs.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a clear dichotomy emerges primarily in the choice of plastics for the top housing. The Durock Dolphin utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs nylon as its top housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound that is rounder due to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. This fundamental difference in material choice indicates that users will experience distinct auditory feedback when typing on these switches, with the Dolphin favoring a brighter tone and the MX Purple RGB offering a more muted, richer sound.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon construction for their bottom housings. Each switch benefits from nylon's unique characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile by dampening vibrations and absorbing sound. This shared bottom housing material means that when pressed down, both switches will exhibit similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback, creating a more rounded bottom-out feel for the user. Thus, while the top housing influences the overall sound during key releases differently, the notable similarities in the bottom housing help to unify the typing experience across both models.

In summary, the Durock Dolphin and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches present a compelling study in contrasts and similarities within their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin emphasizes a bright, crisp auditory feedback, while the nylon top of the MX Purple RGB lends itself to a rounder, deeper sound profile. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which maintains a consistent tactile and auditory experience in the bottoming-out phase of the keystroke. As a result, users may appreciate how the interplay between the two housing types—polycarbonate above and nylon below in the Dolphin, versus nylon in both positions of the MX Purple RGB—can lead to differing overall sound profiles while still sharing fundamental qualities in their tactile feedback.

Weight

The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance when the key is fully pressed down, but its actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two in terms of the force needed to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is also not available, making it difficult to fully assess its resistance when pressed down completely. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be more suitable, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience could lean towards the Durock Dolphin, assuming its actuation force aligns closely with its bottom out force. Overall, based on the available information, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the lighter switch, while the Durock Dolphin switches tend to offer a heavier feel due to its known bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find a distinct difference in their specifications. The Durock Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference implies that the Dolphin switch offers a more responsive feel, which may be appealing to gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Purple RGB can provide a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users might prefer for typing or gaming where a deeper key press feels more satisfying. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance and a quicker actuation, the Durock Dolphin is the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switches shine with their muted and low-pitched characteristics. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound profile, which is especially beneficial in environments where noise reduction is essential, such as offices. The Dolphin's sound is bass-heavy and mellow, minimizing the typically louder and more frenetic noise associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are not specified, leaving a potential void in comparison. However, it's important to note that the acoustics of any switch can vary based on the keyboard's construction, materials, and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switches stand out for their polished nature, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This finishing translates to reduced friction and sleek key travel, making every keystroke feel effortless and satisfying. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a medium-strength tactile bump designed for a distinctive feedback that enthusiasts seek, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts but lacking descriptions of the exact tactile sensation or smoothness. As a result, while the Dolphin emphasizes a seamless and fluid typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple focuses more on definitive tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offer distinctly different experiences. The Dolphins excel in sound dampening and a polished feel, making them ideal for quieter settings and users who appreciate a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is tailored for those who value tactile feedback during typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that whichever you choose, you'll enjoy a quality typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing or gaming preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces like offices, the Durock Dolphins are a fantastic option thanks to their muted sound profile and polished feel that ensures smooth key travel. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly taxing, making it suitable for both long typing sessions and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump that signifies key actuation, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches stand out with their refined tactile feedback, offering a more pronounced sensation with each press. While specific sound characteristics are not detailed, it's reasonable to assume that they produce a sound that might be more noticeable compared to the muted Dolphins. Therefore, if you enjoy the engagement of tactile feedback in both professional and gaming setups, the Cherry MX Purple RGB will likely enhance your experience. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value a quieter, smoother typing experience with less resistance or a tactile response that enhances your keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more