Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Green offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch, known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for office or noise-sensitive environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press and precise feel, appealing to those who prefer resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch known for its audible feedback. While it lacks specific distinguishing features, it offers a traditional clicky typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and weaknesses, but which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and needs. 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
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
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Green switches share some similarities, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material.
The Durock Dolphin switch features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, showcasing a similar sound profile to the Durock Dolphin. This shared material for the bottom housing suggests that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are split between the top and bottom, impacting different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Green switches may provide a slightly different tactile experience based on the combination of their polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to individual typing preferences and the specific sound profile desired.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force of None grams, compared to the Green's 65 grams. On the other hand, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is lighter than the Green's 80 grams. This means that the Dolphin offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Green switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Dolphin being slightly shorter than the Green. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Green with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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 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 stands out for its silent operation, making it an excellent option for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it offers a substantial feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press, making it ideal for those who prefer a switch with some resistance. The switch is also described as producing a muted and low-pitched sound, creating a quieter and more bass-heavy typing experience compared to other switches. In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch is noted for its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, information on the Outemu Green clicky switch is currently unavailable, meaning we are unable to provide specific details about its sound and feel characteristics. However, based on the available information, we can conclude that the Dolphin switch offers a unique combination of a silent operation, substantial feel, muted and low-pitched sound, and a polished finish. If the Outemu Green switch is similar in design and construction to the Durock Dolphin, you can expect comparable results in terms of overall performance. When considering which switch to choose, it's important to take into account your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience to select the switch that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience with a medium actuation force, then the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy actuation force and enjoy the clicky sound of a traditional mechanical keyboard, then the Outemu Green clicky switch would be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your preferences for noise level, actuation force, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Green switches will come down to personal preference and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard.
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