Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Peach, both linear switches. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments or any space where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a balance of precision and a satisfying press, making them suitable for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is known for its lightweight design and silent operation, providing a feathery light typing experience for linear switch enthusiasts. Categorized as neutral, mild, muted, subtle, polished, the Peach offers a different typing feel compared to the Dolphin. 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
40g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Peach both offer unique housing materials that impact the overall sound profile of the switch. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Peach's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softness of nylon, with polycarbonate producing a more resonant sound and nylon absorbing more sound for a duller sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while nylon is a classic material known for its sound-absorbing qualities.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and the Peach utilize nylon, which is known for its sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch is significant, as the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material. Therefore, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both the Dolphin and the Peach contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Peach differ in material, they both offer qualities that complement each other to create a unique typing experience. The split between the different housing materials allows for a balance in sound profiles, with the top housing influencing the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the difference in materials, both switches provide users with a satisfying typing experience that showcases the distinct characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings. Ultimately, the choice between the Dolphin and Peach will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is evident that the Peach is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a heavier option. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Peach switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Dolphin switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In this case, the Outemu Peach switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Dolphin switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter and more mellow typing sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch provides a neutral and muted sound profile, suitable for various purposes and environments. Both switches are ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, with the Dolphin leaning towards a lower-pitched sound and the Peach offering a more neutral tone. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch is described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches feature a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience. While the Dolphin switch may offer a bit more resistance with its medium-heavy actuation force, the Peach switch provides a feather-light typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for typing resistance and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dolphin switch excels in providing a muted and low-pitched typing sound along with a polished typing feel, the Peach switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a light typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used when selecting between these two switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dolphin or the Peach, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your sound and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a substantial feel with a muted and low-pitched sound, the Durock Dolphin would be the ideal choice for you, especially in office environments where noise levels matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a feathery light typing experience with a neutral and muted sound profile, the Outemu Peach would be more suitable for your preferences. Whichever switch you choose, both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Peach offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels best for your typing style and environment.
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