Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Black mechanical keyboard switches, one noticeable difference is their noise level. The Durock Dolphin is praised for being silent, making it a great option for office settings or any place where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Black does not have a specific feature that stands out in terms of noise. Another point of comparison is the actuation force, with the Dolphin having a medium-heavy force of 62g, providing a balanced feel that suits those who prefer a switch with more resistance. However, the Outemu Black does not have a specified actuation force. In terms of characteristics, the Dolphin is described as polished, muted, and low-pitched, while there is no specific categorization for the Outemu Black. When deciding between these two switches, the Dolphin may be the preferred choice for those who prioritize silence and precision, while the Outemu Black could be favored by those looking for a simpler, no-frills option. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Black switches have polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches if RGB lighting is a consideration. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin and the Black differs. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the differences in their nylon bottom housings may affect the overall sound and feel of typing. The Durock Dolphin's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Outemu Black's nylon bottom housing. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of both housing materials working together to create a well-rounded typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Black switches offers a balance of sharp, crisp sounds from the top housing and deep, full sounds from the bottom housing. While both switches may have similar top housing materials, the difference in their bottom housings provides a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Durock Dolphin or a fuller sound profile with the Outemu Black, both switches offer a blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Dolphin switch has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the Black switch requires 65 grams of force to actuate, providing a more deliberate typing experience. The Dolphin switch also has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Black switch has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dolphin switch would be the preferable choice, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Black switch would suit those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. 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, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical keyboard switches. Gamers who want faster response times may prefer the Dolphin due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Black switch with the slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 is praised for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the Dolphin offers a polished typing sensation, providing smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek and refined typing experience. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin switch strikes a balance between precision and satisfying key presses. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound or feel of the Outemu Black linear switch. However, based on the Durock Dolphin's characteristics, it can be inferred that the Outemu Black linear switch may provide similar qualities of a quiet sound profile and a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and any additional features offered by each switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a medium actuation force, the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice for you. The Dolphin's muted sound and polished feel provide a smooth and refined typing experience, making it suitable for office environments or those who prioritize noise reduction. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and do not have specific sound preferences, the Outemu Black linear switch with its 82g bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits.
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