Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Dolphin is known for its silence, making it a great option for those in quieter environments, while the Cold Plum offers a thocky sound profile that is unique and satisfying to enthusiasts. The Dolphin has a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a balanced feel that is precise yet satisfying, while the Cold Plum boasts a smooth keystroke thanks to its fully nylon construction. Both switches offer their own appeal, but the Dolphin leans towards a polished, muted, and low-pitched profile, while the Cold Plum does not fall into a specific category. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is evident that they both prioritize creating a unique sound profile for the switches. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This indicates that the choice of material for the top housing greatly influences the overall sound of the switch. However, both materials excel in providing a distinct auditory experience, with polycarbonate offering a clearer and resonant sound, and nylon providing a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and the Cold Plum utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is appreciated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller sound profile. In this aspect, both switches share a common quality in their housing material, contributing to a consistent typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches enhances the overall typing sound, showcasing the importance of material choice in different parts of the switch. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still offer unique typing experiences due to other factors such as keycap design and switch stem design.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Cold Plum plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While the Dolphin employs polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound, the Cold Plum opts for nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, emphasizing sound absorption and a more rounded sound. The differences in housing materials between the two switches offer users a variety of typing experiences, demonstrating how material selection can influence the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Durock Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, while the Outemu Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams, making the Cold Plum the lighter of the two. The bottom out force of the Dolphin is 62 grams, which is lighter than the Cold Plum's bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that the Cold Plum is the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dolphin for longer typing sessions, while the Cold Plum may be more appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level of each switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin. The difference may seem minor, but it can impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Cold Plum due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Dolphin with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, and depending on personal preference, either option can provide satisfactory results.
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 Cold Plum 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 renowned for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g provides a precise and satisfying press, ideal for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a thocky sound profile thanks to its fully nylon construction, giving enthusiasts a unique and enjoyable typing feel. While the sound of each switch may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the Dolphin's quiet nature contrasts with the Cold Plum's distinct sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish enhances the overall feel of the switch, providing users with a sleek typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Cold Plum switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided, so the tactile feedback and overall typing experience may differ from the Dolphin.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch showcases a muted and low-pitched sound profile, with a polished feel that provides a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, giving users a unique and enjoyable typing feel. While both switches offer distinct characteristics, choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. Whether selecting the Dolphin or the Cold Plum, users can expect a satisfying typing experience that caters to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider your priorities in terms of sound and feel. If you value a quieter typing experience with a medium actuation force and a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile, fully nylon construction, and a medium-heavy actuation force, the Outemu Cold Plum switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prioritize and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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