Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Oil King are both reputable linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphins are renowned for their silent operation, making them an ideal choice for quiet office environments or workspaces where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press, appealing to users who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil Kings stand out for their buttery smooth operation and sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. These switches are categorized by their low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished attributes. Both switches have their strengths and can be appealing based on individual preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Oil King differ in terms of their top and bottom components. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer nature. On the other hand, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound profile as the Oil King's nylon top housing. In contrast, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile, described as clacky.
Both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, which results in a split of qualities between the two components. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing creating a deeper, fuller sound profile and the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing offering a clacky sound. On the other hand, the top housing plays a role in the sound when a key is released, with the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing producing a clear, resonant sound profile and the Oil King's nylon top housing absorbing more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin is translucent, making it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Oil King is more traditional and classic in its appearance. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Dolphin providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound and the Oil King offering a deeper, fuller or clacky sound depending on the housing components used.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have some differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Oil King the heavier switch. Both switches have a medium actuation force, with the Dolphin's force being unspecified and the Oil King's force at 55 grams. The actuation force is important as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Dolphin, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Oil King. 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 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. In terms of traditional standards, both fall within the range of acceptable travel distances for mechanical switches. Gamers may lean towards the Dolphin for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Oil King with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key feel and performance.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch boasts a low-pitched and bassy sound that provides a deep and rich tone resembling the depth and richness of bass tones. Both switches offer a distinct auditory experience, with the Dolphin being more muted and low-pitched, while the Oil King leans towards a bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensation, thanks to factory lubrication and specific materials used in the switch construction. Both switches provide a smooth keystroke experience, with the Dolphin focusing on a polished finish for sleek typing, while the Oil King excels in delivering a silky and buttery feel that enhances the overall smoothness of typing.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is ideal for those seeking a silent and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, making it suitable for office environments or users who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out with its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile, offering a luxurious typing experience that feels like gliding fingers across keys effortlessly. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Dolphin or the Oil King, you can expect a premium typing experience that prioritizes both sound and feel for an enhanced mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you need a silent switch for an office setting or any workspace where noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin would be the better choice with its muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Gateron Oil King may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force to ensure you have the best typing experience possible.
Mentioned in this article
