Durock Dolphin vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, you have two excellent linear switch options to consider. The Durock Dolphin is renowned for its silent operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, this switch provides a satisfying press and precision that is ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White offers a distinctive typing feel with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel. The use of a Ly stem in this switch ensures a remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. While the Dolphin is known for its polished, muted, and low-pitched feel, the Neo White is categorized as mild and neutral. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Neo White are very similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Neo White's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Neo White have polycarbonate top housing, the differences arise in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neo White absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of each switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing also play a role in how the switch responds when pressed and released, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Neo White offer a similar sound profile in their polycarbonate top housing, but diverge in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neo White creates a duller and rounder sound. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall sound profile can help users choose the switch that best fits their preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch are quite similar in terms of being on the lighter side compared to other switches. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making the Neo White slightly lighter in terms of force required for a keystroke. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but based on their bottom out force being in the medium range, we can assume that they provide a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy or too light. Those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Neo White for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Dolphin for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Neo White for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Dolphin with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, providing a balance between speed and key press depth.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter switch option. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most scenarios. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Dolphin providing a softer and quieter sound compared to the Neo White.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and potentially factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience, making it approachable and suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches offer a satisfying feel while typing, with the Dolphin providing a sleek and polished experience compared to the Neo White.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for precision and resistance seekers. In contrast, the Neo White offers a distinctive typing feel with a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation, suitable for a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with both options providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for an office setting or a workspace where noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin with its muted and low-pitched sound profile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth and satisfying typing experience that offers a distinctive feel with slightly reduced total travel, the Haimu Neo White switch with its mild characteristics and neutral sound profile may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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