Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphins are silent switches with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a precise and satisfying press that is ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches come with a 22mm long spring for a bouncy feel, a polycarbonate milky top housing, and excellent factory-lubing for a smooth typing experience. Both switches boast a low-pitched sound profile, but the Dolphin is described as 'polished' and 'muted', while the Orange is 'bouncy' and 'frictionless'. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your specific typing 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
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Orange switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound quality, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the Durock Dolphin sets itself apart with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those seeking a different typing experience.
While the top housings of both the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Orange switches are made of polycarbonate, providing similar sound profiles, the bottom housings differ significantly. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate, contributing to a clear and resonant typing experience. This contrast in bottom housing materials can drastically impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Orange switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, the Durock Dolphin stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Orange maintains a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout, thanks to its polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound or a crisper typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a higher bottom out force at 62 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams, making the Dolphin the heavier option. The actuation force of the Dolphin is unknown, while the Orange requires 46 grams to actuate a keystroke, making the Orange the lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Orange switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, users looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Dolphin switch for a stronger push sensation. Both switches provide a medium actuation force level overall.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Dolphin has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Orange's 3.5 mm. This means that the Dolphin requires a slightly deeper press to actuate compared to the Orange. While both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, the Dolphin offers a tad more depth for those who prefer a bit more responsiveness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange may appeal to those who prefer a slightly shallower actuation point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 and KTT Orange linear switches both offer a low-pitched sound profile, providing a pleasingly bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. The Dolphin switches take it a step further by being described as muted, making them ideal for those seeking a quieter experience in environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Orange switches may offer a slightly more audible typing experience compared to the Dolphins, but still fall within the realm of low-pitched switches, ensuring a pleasant sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphins are known for their polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they offer a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press, appealing to users who prefer a switch with more resistance. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches provide a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switches boast a frictionless typing experience, thanks to their factory-lubed components, ensuring a smooth and effortless key travel with minimal resistance.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin and KTT Orange linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dolphin switches excel in providing a muted and polished typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Orange switches stand out for their bouncy feel, low-pitched sound profile, and frictionless key travel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and the level of key resistance desired. However, both switches are excellent choices that will deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for a quiet workspace, the Dolphin switch with its muted sound profile would be a suitable choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g also provides a satisfying press with precision. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Orange switch with its 53g bottom out force and factory-lubed smoothness could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force. Consider your typing habits and environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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