Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it a perfect choice for quiet office settings or shared workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a balance of precision and satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf offers a tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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 Maple Leaf switches both feature top housings made of different materials, with the Dolphin using polycarbonate and the Maple Leaf using nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon top housings, like those found in the Maple Leaf switches, produce a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to their softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Dolphin and the Maple Leaf switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
While the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches have different top housing materials, they both share nylon bottom housings. This means that while they may have distinct sound profiles based on their top housings, the bottom housings will contribute to a similar overall feel in terms of the depth and fullness of the sound produced. Additionally, the impact of each housing material can be felt differently when using the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the actuation force of the Dolphin is listed as "None," whereas the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Maple Leaf requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dolphin. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Maple Leaf may be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Dolphin. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the Dolphin offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Maple Leaf. Gamers may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Dolphin for a more satisfying typing experience, while those who prefer a more abrupt key press may opt for the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Maple Leaf 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 offers a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a satisfying press with a bit more resistance. Its sound profile is characterized as muted and low-pitched, ideal for situations where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The switch itself is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is limited information available on the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the sound and feel qualities of the Dolphin switch, it can be inferred that the Maple Leaf switch might offer similar characteristics in terms of being quiet and possibly having a tactile, polished feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a silent linear switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin switch would likely be a good choice. However, due to the lack of information available on the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it's important to do further research or try out the switch for yourself to determine if it meets your specific preferences and requirements. Remember, when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider not only sound and feel but also factors such as typing style, gaming preferences, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a silent switch with a medium actuation force and a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a great choice. This switch is ideal for office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter, as it is both muted and low-pitched, creating a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and do not mind a bit more noise, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch could be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, noise level, and typing feel.
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