Durock Dolphin vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Dolphin and Cherry Nixie are both popular choices for mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different features that cater to varying preferences. The Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it perfect for quiet office settings or workspaces where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a balance of precision and satisfying keypresses, ideal for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is also a linear switch but is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience. With updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update, the Nixie combines tradition with modern innovation. While the Dolphin is polished and muted, the Nixie is textured and thocky, offering different sensations when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your specific preferences and needs. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry Nixie switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Nixie's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer composition. Both materials have their unique benefits, with polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency and nylon providing a classic feel and sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and Nixie switches utilize nylon, which results in a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced during bottom-out, while the top housing will influence the sound upon key release.
Overall, the choice of housing material between polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of the Durock Dolphin and Cherry Nixie switches showcases how subtle differences can greatly influence the typing experience. While polycarbonate offers a sharper sound profile and is ideal for RGB lighting, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. The split between the housing materials in the top and bottom housings ensures a balanced typing experience, where the qualities of each material can complement and enhance the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it a very light switch in terms of the force required to trigger a key press. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch has an actuation force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. When it comes to bottoming out, the Dolphin requires 62 grams of force, while the Nixie requires 80 grams, making the Nixie the heavier switch overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Dolphin, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Nixie to get that extra tactile feedback. 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 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Nixie being closer to the standard 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Nixie with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, the Dolphin is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Nixie is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving it a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. If you enjoy a softer, quieter sound, the Dolphin would be the ideal choice, while the Nixie offers a more pronounced and satisfying typing noise.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dolphin is praised for its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Nixie is described as having a textured feel, which may introduce noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the smoothness of the Dolphin's polished switch, while others might enjoy the tactile feedback of the textured Nixie switch.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Durock Dolphin and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a smooth key travel, the Dolphin would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep, satisfying sound with a textured feel, the Nixie switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches provide a medium-heavy actuation force, balancing precision with a satisfying press, but with distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and medium-heavy linear switch with a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin would be a great choice for you. This switch would be perfect for office environments or for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, if you are seeking a heavy linear switch with a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie would be the ideal option. The Nixie offers a textured typing experience that some users may prefer. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and typing style.
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