Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Milk Tea stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The Dolphin, a linear switch, is revered for its silent operation, making it a great choice for quiet office settings. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying tactile feel that strikes a balance between precision and comfort. In comparison, the Milk Tea, a tactile switch, does not have a notable feature mentioned, leaving room for interpretation. While the Dolphin is praised for its polished, muted, and low-pitched typing experience, the Milk Tea remains a bit of a mystery in terms of its sound profile. 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
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Milk Tea both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the bright sound signature of the Milk Tea's Ly top housing. Both materials are known for their clear properties, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through, but the Dolphin's polycarbonate creates a more resonant and crisp sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a more vibrant and clacky typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon which is a classic material known for creating a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that both the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Milk Tea will provide a satisfying typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile that is characteristic of switches using nylon bottom housings.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material, in this case, nylon for both the Dolphin and Milk Tea, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether it is polycarbonate for the Dolphin or the Ly top housing for the Milk Tea, will have a more noticeable impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in defining its unique sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences when it comes to weight. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea, while those seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the Dolphin. Both switches have their unique strengths, with the Dolphin offering a more defined bottom out force and the Milk Tea providing a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. Gamers who prioritize faster key presses may find the Dolphin more appealing, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Milk Tea. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, making them suitable options for users looking for a balanced 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 Milk Tea 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 highly regarded for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. In terms of feel, the Dolphin is noted for its polished and smooth key travel, offering a refined typing experience with reduced friction. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Milk Tea switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a silent linear switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin would be a fantastic choice. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, you can expect similar results in sound and feel from the Dolphin if noise levels and a refined typing experience are your top priorities. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it is essential to consider all factors when making your decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and require a switch that is suitable for office or shared spaces, the Dolphin switch with its muted and low-pitched sound profile is a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique tactile feel and do not mind a bit of noise, the Outemu Milk Tea switch could be the right fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing setup.
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