Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Brown offer different experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Durock Dolphin shines as a linear switch, known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for quiet office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a substantial feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, which means it offers a noticeable bump during actuation, providing tactile feedback that some users prefer for typing or gaming. While the Dolphin is characterized by polished, muted, and low-pitched qualities, the Brown's characteristics are not specifically highlighted. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and use case; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
Both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a perfect choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the design. The similarity in top housing material between the two switches suggests that users can expect comparable sound profiles and tactile feedback when typing on either one.
In contrast, the Durock Dolphin incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Outemu Brown also opts for a nylon material in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a rounder and duller sound when typing on switches utilizing nylon bottom housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing material between the Dolphin and Brown switches, both offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the characteristics of nylon.
When considering switches with varying top and bottom housing materials, it is important to recognize how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. With this understanding, users can appreciate the distinct qualities that nylon and polycarbonate bring to the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Brown switches, respectively, enhancing their typing experience and sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force than the Brown. The Dolphin requires None grams of force to actuate, while the Brown needs 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams, whereas the Brown needs 65 grams, making the Brown slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a decent amount of resistance for typing. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Dolphin for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch. In general, a shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Brown 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 distinguished by its silent operation, making it an attractive option for environments where noise is a concern. With a 62g actuation force, it offers a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying key press, appealing to users who prefer a switch with a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific information about its sound and feel qualities, making direct comparisons more challenging.
When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin switch produces a muted and low-pitched noise, creating a quieter and more bass-heavy typing experience compared to clacky switches. The absence of information about the sound profile of the Outemu Brown switch makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this aspect. However, keep in mind that sound perception can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. Without information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in this regard. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a silent, medium-heavy linear switch with a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch but enjoy the unknown qualities of the Outemu Brown switch, you may find satisfaction in testing out both to see which aligns best with your keyboard preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a silent and medium-heavy linear switch with a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin would be an excellent choice. It is perfect for office settings or anywhere noise levels are a concern, offering a satisfying press with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize silence and linear feel or tactility and resistance.
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