Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider your needs and preferences. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, stands out as a silent option ideal for office settings or environments where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a satisfying press that balances precision and resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback and audible click, perfect for those who enjoy the feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 Dustproof Green switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. While both switches share this top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing material may influence the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
In contrast, the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings may provide a more cushioned and less sharp typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottoms.
The combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches allows for a unique typing experience. The difference in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches impacts the sound and feel when pressing down and releasing keys. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Dustproof Green's 65 grams. This means that the Dustproof Green requires slightly more pressure to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Dolphin has a lower force of 62 grams, while the Dustproof Green is heavier with 80 grams. This results in a more substantial typing experience with the Dustproof Green switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Dolphin switch, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Dustproof Green's 4 mm. The Dolphin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times and a more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel and feedback when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of preferred travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's needs and preferences.
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 Dustproof Green 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 favored for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Dustproof Green switch is unspecified. Overall, the Durock Dolphin switch offers a silent and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, perfect for those looking for a switch with a bit more resistance. While the Outemu Dustproof Green switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, it may still provide similar results depending on personal preferences and other factors like keycaps and keyboard setup. Ultimately, it's essential to consider both subjective qualities when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, ultimately, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be the ideal choice for you if you value a quiet typing experience and prefer a medium actuation force of 62 grams. These switches are perfect for office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, if you enjoy the satisfying clicky sound of a mechanical keyboard and don't mind a heavier actuation force of 80 grams, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique benefits, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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