Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often debate the merits of linear versus tactile options. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, stands out for its silent operation, making it perfect for quiet work environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a tactile experience that balances precision and satisfaction. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a more pronounced feedback with a bump in the actuation. While it may not be as silent as the Dolphin, the Crystal Brown switch is still relatively quiet and offers a more tactile typing experience. The Dolphin is categorized as polished, muted, low-pitched, while the Crystal Brown is not categorized. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's delve 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
The Durock Dolphin and Outemu Crystal Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making them visually appealing for those who enjoy customizable lighting options. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances the overall typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housings of the Dolphin and Crystal Brown provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This gives a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing, catering to those who prefer a softer and more muted sound when typing. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of these switches offers a diverse typing experience that can cater to a variety of preferences.
While both switches share similar top and bottom housing materials, the split between the qualities of the housings affects the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile response that is influenced by the nylon material. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key, emphasizing the crisp and clear sound profile attributed to the polycarbonate material. This balance of housing materials in the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Crystal Brown allows for a versatile typing experience that combines the benefits of both polycarbonate and nylon in a single switch.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is likely a light switch to start typing on. However, it requires 62 grams of force to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight preferences, with the Dolphin being lighter overall and the Crystal Brown falling on the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crystal Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dolphin switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, which can be preferred by gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can give a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but if you are looking for a slightly quicker response, the Dolphin switch might be the better option, whereas if you prefer a more substantial key press, the Crystal Brown switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Crystal 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
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is a great option for those looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it ideal for office or shared spaces, while its polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's subjective qualities are unknown in terms of sound and feel. However, based on what is known about the Dolphin switch, it is likely that the Crystal Brown switch will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each individual user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should consider your priorities. If you value a silent switch that is ideal for office settings and offers a medium-heavy actuation force for precision and satisfaction in each keypress, the Dolphin would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and do not mind a bit of noise, the Crystal Brown tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for noise level, actuation force, and tactile feedback.
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