Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, both switches offer a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback found in other switch types. The Durock Dolphin is praised for its silent operation, making it a great choice for quiet office environments or workspaces where noise reduction is a priority. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a tactile feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus does not have any specific standout features but offers a linear typing experience. Despite the lack of unique selling points, the Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills switch. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
pom
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
The Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Lotus both feature different materials in their top and bottom housings, contributing to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. In contrast, the Lotus uses a nylon top housing, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they each offer a distinct typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and the Lotus feature a nylon material. This material is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, enhancing the overall typing feedback for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Lotus plays a significant role in the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound with a clear resonance, the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Dolphin switch has no specified actuation force, making it unclear how much force is required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force is 62 grams, offering a medium typing experience. In contrast, the Lotus switch has an actuation force of 35 grams, providing a lighter touch for typing, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is also on the lighter side. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Dolphin switch with its heavier bottom out force, while individuals who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Lotus switch with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a personal preference that can impact typing comfort and endurance during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer than the Outemu Lotus linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Dolphin offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Lotus, which may provide a more satisfying feel for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Lotus 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 known for its silent operation, making it a great option for quiet work environments. The 62g actuation force provides a medium-heavy feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying keypress. The switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound or feel characteristics.
In terms of sound, the Dolphin switch is muted and low-pitched, providing a softer and quieter typing experience with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Lotus switch does not have any sound characteristics listed, so it is difficult to compare in terms of acoustics. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, delivering a sleek typing experience with smooth key travel. As for the Lotus switch, there is no information provided regarding its feel characteristics. In conclusion, if you prioritize a silent operation and polished typing experience, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, without specific information on the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on your personal preferences and typing needs, so testing out different switches to see which one suits you best is always recommended.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prioritize silent operation and a medium-heavy actuation force for a more substantial and precise typing experience, the Durock Dolphin switch would be a great choice, especially for office settings or quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and do not have specific noise concerns, the Outemu Lotus switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound level, and the overall typing experience you desire.
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