Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, one can immediately notice the stark differences in their characteristics. The Durock Dolphin is popular for its silence, making it perfect for quiet office settings or any space where noise may be a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a solid, precise keypress that is satisfying for those who prefer a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade lacks any specific standout feature but falls under the category of a clicky switch. While the Dolphin is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Blue Jade remains uncharacterized. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound, actuation force, and overall typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Blue Jade switches offer a stark contrast in terms of their sound profiles. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to the stiffness of the material. In comparison, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and the Blue Jade switches utilize nylon for a similar reason - to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound. While the bottom housing may not have as much influence on the overall sound as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience on these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Blue Jade switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin offers a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade provides a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a mechanical switch, with each material contributing its own unique characteristics to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, we can see some notable differences. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dolphin at 62 grams and the Blue Jade at 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy in this aspect. The Dolphin is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Blue Jade offers a stronger push feel due to its higher actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances commonly found in mechanical keyboard switches. Gamers may lean towards the Dolphin switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Blue Jade switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Blue Jade 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 known for its muted and low-pitched sound, providing a quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing noise, especially in shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have any specific information regarding its sound profile, so it is safe to assume that it may produce a louder and crisper clicking sound due to its clicky nature.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as having a polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined keystroke that reduces friction and ensures a sleek typing experience. With a medium-heavy actuation force, users can expect a satisfying press that strikes a balance between precision and resistance. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch, but based on its clicky nature, it can be assumed that it offers a tactile bump and audible feedback during typing.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience with a balanced actuation force, making it ideal for those seeking a more refined and precise keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch likely offers a louder and more tactile typing experience, suitable for users who enjoy the audible feedback and distinct click of clicky switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a clicky sound and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation force, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for noise level and actuation force. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
