Durock Dolphin vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Everglide Oreo stand out as popular choices for different preferences. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, is known for its silent operation, making it an ideal option for office settings or environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a satisfying press with a bit of resistance, appealing to those who prefer a switch with a substantial feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo, a tactile switch, offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, creating a delightful typing experience. With a medium light tactility, the Oreo strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Oreo is categorized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Oreo, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining consistency in sound profile throughout the switch. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to variations in typing experience and sound feedback between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Oreo plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches benefit from polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials (nylon vs polycarbonate) results in distinct sound characteristics. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller one will depend on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall performance of the switch is important for users looking to select the best option for their needs.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Everglide Oreo has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, the actuation force of the Dolphin is unknown, whereas the Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Oreo requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dolphin. For those who prefer a lighter keystroke, the Oreo may be the more suitable option. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Dolphin might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Everglide Oreo tactile switch at 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Dolphin being on the shorter end. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Oreo. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the switch during use.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as chirpy, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing sessions. Depending on personal preference, the Dolphin's sound may be more fitting for a shared workspace, while the Oreo's chirpy sound could bring a bit of character to your keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented and stepped, offering a medium tactile sensation that is not overwhelming or subtle. This means that the Dolphin switch provides a balance of precision and satisfaction, while the Oreo switch offers a prominent tactility with a comfortable typing experience due to its cushioned bottom-out feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The Dolphin excels in providing a quiet and medium-heavy actuation force typing experience, while the Oreo stands out with its crisp tactile bump and cushioned bottom-out feel. Both switches offer a satisfying keystroke and are suitable for different preferences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crisp tactile bump with a medium-light actuation force and a slight chirpy sound profile, the Oreo switch may be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what matters most to you when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
