Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Milk Peach both present unique characteristics catering to different typing experiences. The Durock Dolphin, a silent linear switch, is particularly well-suited for office environments or any workspace demanding minimal noise, ensuring a calm atmosphere. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press, appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach, also a linear switch, may not boast as distinct a reputation as the Dolphin, offering a more neutral profile. While it lacks some of the highlighted features of its counterpart, it may still serve as a solid option for users seeking a more understated typing experience. As such, both switches offer advantages depending on your needs—whether it's the muted sound and tactile satisfaction of the Dolphin or the simplicity of the Milk Peach. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Milk Peach utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to remarkably similar sound profiles. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, which enhances the clarity of the keystrokes. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Since both switches share this common material in their top housing, users can expect a clear and resonant sound when typing on either switch, underscoring how material choice profoundly influences switch performance.
Contrasting the top housings, both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Milk Peach use nylon for their bottom housing. This material is known for its softer characteristics, which absorb sound and contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing's ability to dampen sound contrasts with the clarity provided by the polycarbonate top, creating a balance in sound quality. With both switches equipped with nylon in the bottom housing, users can anticipate a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This combination of a crisp top with a fuller bottom allows for a rich sound interaction when typing, making each switch appealing for different sound preferences.
Ultimately, the conjunction of materials in both switches yields an interesting interplay between the auditory characteristics imparted by each housing type. While they share polycarbonate top housings that elevate clarity and resonance, the nylon bottoms absorb sound, grounding the overall typing experience. This means that when a user types on either switch, they will enjoy the crispness of the polycarbonate upon key release, while the deeper tones delivered by the nylon will be felt primarily during the bottoming out. Thus, while the switches bring their distinct identities through material choices, the user experience of typing on both is harmoniously rich due to this thoughtfully selected combination.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch, but its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Milk Peach boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option for users who prefer less resistance while typing, ideal for extended usage during work or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Peach is also unavailable, leaving us unable to make a direct comparison on that metric. Overall, if you favor a lighter typing experience, the Milk Peach would be the preferable choice due to its known actuation force, while the Dolphin, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer push sensation.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Dolphin switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a substantial keystroke. In contrast, the Milk Peach, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize quick response times, typical of gaming environments. For gamers or those favoring quicker actuation, the Milk Peach would likely be the better choice, while those who prefer a more traditional and tactile typing experience might prefer the Dolphin. Ultimately, these contrasting distances highlight the individual preferences for switch feel, with the Dolphin being the longer travel option and the Milk Peach being the shorter one.
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 Milk Peach 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 characterized by its muted sound profile, making it particularly suitable for quieter environments. It produces a low-pitched sound that is softer than that of many other mechanical keyboard switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with key presses. This low-pitched nature enhances the overall experience for users who may be in shared workspaces or prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach switch lacks specific sound qualities described, which may suggest either a standard sound profile or an absence of noteworthy characteristics in this area.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin stands out with its polished finish, yielding a smooth and refined typing experience. The factory lubing and superior material quality contribute to reduced friction and a seamless key travel that many enthusiasts appreciate. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g also provides a satisfying resistance that many typists find gratifying. On the other hand, the feel of the Milk Peach switch remains unknown, leaving potential users without a clear comparison in this regard.
In summary, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a distinct combination of muted sound and polished feel that makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a quiet yet tactile typing experience. While the Milk Peach switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptors, potential users may find that the Dolphin suits their needs better if they prioritize sound dampening and a smooth key press. Without detailed information about the Milk Peach, it's challenging to make a direct comparison, but the Dolphin’s established qualities suggest a robust performance for those who appreciate its design features.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the environments in which you’ll be using them. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a satisfying, medium-heavy feel with a bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Durock Dolphins are your best bet. Their muted, low-pitched sound profile makes them incredibly suitable for office environments or quiet settings where noise can be a distraction. Additionally, their polished finish provides a smooth and refined typing experience, making them ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you have specific needs or tastes that align with what the Milk Peach offers (despite the lack of specific details provided), you might still want to consider it if you find a preference for its intended feel or sound characteristics. In the end, choose the Dolphin for its balanced resistance and quiet operation, especially in shared spaces, or keep an eye out for the Milk Peach if you find details that resonate more strongly with your typing style.
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