Durock Dolphin vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Orange Sea both offer compelling options for users seeking linear experiences, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is designed for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office settings where sound levels can be a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying press that strikes a beautiful balance between precision and resistance, perfect for typists who enjoy a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches present an impeccably smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate a more invigorating tactile response while maintaining a quieter environment. Although both switches excel in their own right, one may suit your specific needs better than the other. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Orange Sea share notable similarities that contribute to their acoustic profiles and overall aesthetics. Both switches feature polycarbonate material in their top housings, which dramatically influences the sound characteristics. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, imparts a sharper and crisper sound due to its ability to resonate clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting applications, allowing for brighter and more vibrant illumination. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience when utilizing the top housings of both the Dolphin and Orange Sea, making them apt choices for those who prioritize clarity and brightness in their mechanical switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Dolphin and Orange Sea is made from nylon, which contributes differently to their sound profiles. Nylon, known for being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience. This characteristic leads to a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound that contrasts with the brighter tones produced by the top housing. Consequently, while both switches derive their top-end clarity from the same material, the richness and warmth of the bottom-out sound are governed by the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, the combined effects of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings create a balanced auditory experience that users can rely on.
When considering the overall performance of the Durock Dolphin and the Haimu Orange Sea, it is essential to acknowledge how the unique contributions of each material play a role in their functionality. Since both switches feature the same polycarbonate top housing, users can anticipate comparable results in terms of high-frequency sound clarity and light diffusion. Meanwhile, the nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities in the bottom housing apply to both switches, ensuring that the experience of bottoming out produces a similarly rich sound profile. As such, despite slight variances in design or branding, the fundamental material composition ensures that both the Dolphin and the Orange Sea converge on sound quality, catering to users who appreciate a well-rounded and harmonious keystroke experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Dolphin features an unspecified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which positions it in the medium weight category, making it more suitable for users who prefer a firmer key press. In contrast, the Orange Sea has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a lighter switch that is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. As a result, if you favor a lighter typing experience with less resistance, the Orange Sea would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and are comfortable with medium force, the Dolphin might be more appealing. Since the actuation force of the Dolphin is not specified, we cannot directly compare the two in that regard, but it's clear that the Orange Sea is the lighter option with a lower actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it is clear that the Dolphin has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Orange Sea comes in at 3.6 mm. This means that the Dolphin offers a more pronounced depth with each keystroke, which can provide a more substantial tactile feedback for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness and quick actuation, as shorter distances can facilitate faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you favor a more robust experience, the Dolphin is the better option, whereas if you desire a quicker, more agile performance, the Orange Sea may suit your needs better.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a sound profile that is notably muted, producing a softer and quieter noise compared to more traditional, clacky switches. Its low-pitched tone leans towards a bass-heavy quality, which can be easier on the ears, making it particularly suitable for environments where minimizing sound is essential. The Haimu Orange Sea switch, however, does not have a defined sound signature, emphasizing a more neutral auditory experience. If you're looking for a quieter option, the Dolphin is undeniably the better choice, but it's important to keep in mind that overall sound can also be influenced by your keyboard's build and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin provides a polished typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined action that reduces friction and enhances key travel. This results from either the quality of the materials used or potential factory lubing, leading to a clean feel that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers an invigorating typing experience, combining a medium tactile feel with pronounced feedback and an enjoyable actuation sensation. While it's not as tactile as some alternatives, the Orange Sea does provide a snappy and responsive action. Ultimately, users will experience a different tactile experience between these two switches, with the Dolphin leaning towards silky smoothness and the Orange Sea focusing on a more engaged typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Dolphin is ideal for those seeking a silent, polished typing experience, making it perfect for quieter environments. On the other hand, the Orange Sea provides a more invigorating feel with moderate tactility for users who enjoy a responsive and engaging typing sensation. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening or tactile feedback, but both can deliver satisfying results within their respective focuses.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and require a switch that is more suitable for shared or professional environments, the Dolphin's muted and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, makes it an excellent option. This switch offers a polished feel and satisfying resistance that many users appreciate for both typing and gaming, providing a balance between precision and comfort. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea is ideal for those who desire a lighter touch with a bottom out force of just 45 grams, making it easier to type quickly and comfortably over longer periods. Its impeccably smooth feel and invigorating feedback are perfect for users who enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, if you value sound dampening and a bit more actuation weight, go for the Dolphins, while if you prefer a lighter, smoother, and more reactive option, the Orange Sea should be your pick.
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