Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Durock Dolphins are renowned for their silent operation, making them a perfect choice for office or quiet workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying press that balances precision and resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switches offer a clicky feedback that some users find more satisfying, although they may not be ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Cream Blues are characterized by their clicky sound and tactile feedback. 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Cream Blue both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nylon material is known for its softness, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder tone compared to harder plastics. This results in a more pleasing typing experience for users who prefer a softer, more muted sound when pressing down on the switches.
In contrast, the Durock Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates well, creating a clear and vibrant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in the top housing material between the two switches highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound produced by a switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Cream Blue aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. The contrasting qualities of the nylon and polycarbonate materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches allow users to customize their sound preferences. Whether you prefer a crisper, sharper sound profile or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Cream Blue comes down to personal sound preferences and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force, as it requires None grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Cream Blue's 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dolphin is also lighter at 62 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 65 grams. The Dolphin offers a medium resistance, while the Cream Blue falls into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter touch and smoother typing experience, the Dolphin may be the better option, especially for extended use. However, for those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing feel, the Cream Blue provides a slightly heavier touch that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing needs of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dolphin. The 0.2 mm may seem like a small difference, but it can impact the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Dolphin with the shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster response times, which is ideal for gamers. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may prefer the Cream Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, so it comes down to personal preference.
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 Cream Blue 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 stands out for its silent operation, making it a preferred option for quieter environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, users can enjoy a satisfying press that offers a balance of precision and resistance. The muted and low-pitched sound profile of the Dolphin ensures a softer and more bass-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch lacks specific information on sound profile, so it is difficult to make a comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished surface reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel, enhancing the overall satisfaction of using the switch. Unfortunately, details regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Blue switch are not available for comparison.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is a standout choice for those seeking a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile adds to its appeal, making it a suitable option for various work environments. While information on the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is limited, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and sound if they prefer a switch with a clicky feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch that is quiet and ideal for office or shared workspaces, the Durock Dolphin linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams is a great choice. It offers a medium-heavy actuation force for a satisfying press and precise typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Cream Blue switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for noise level and tactile feedback when typing. Consider these factors when making your decision between the Dolphin and Cream Blue switches.
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