Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, and the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, it is important to consider various factors to determine the best option for your needs. The Durock Dolphins are silent switches, making them perfect for office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a satisfying press that balances precision with resistance, appealing to users who prefer a switch with a bit more weight behind it. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch's distinguishing features are not clearly specified, offering a different tactile experience. While the Dolphin is polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Purple switch's characteristics remain unspecified. When choosing between these two switches, it is crucial to consider your preferences in terms of noise level, actuation force, and tactile feedback. 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
50g
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
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
The Durock Dolphin and Outemu Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other housing materials. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, they may vary in design or thickness, resulting in subtle differences in sound and feel.
The nylon bottom housing of the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Purple contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, providing a tactile typing experience that complements the characteristics of the top housing material. While both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, the design of the housing and its interaction with the top housing may create unique typing experiences.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Purple play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the specific design and thickness of the materials may result in nuanced differences in sound and tactile feedback. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, keyboard enthusiasts can choose the switch that best fits their preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Purple has a lower actuation force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Dolphin is not specified, but considering the bottom out force is higher, it can be assumed to be heavier than the Purple. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Purple switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Dolphin switch, with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Dolphin providing a heavier touch and the Purple offering a lighter touch, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Dolphin linear switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin being on the shorter end and the Purple being closer to the average, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Dolphin with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Purple 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 silence and medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a balanced feel that is precise and satisfying for users who prefer a bit more resistance. The sound of the Dolphin switch is muted and low-pitched, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to louder switches. In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have specific information provided regarding its sound or feel qualities. However, based on the information given, it is safe to assume that the Purple switch may produce a louder sound compared to the Dolphin due to its tactile nature. The feel of the Purple switch is unknown, but it is likely to offer a tactile bump during actuation for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing.
Overall, if you are looking for a silent and polished switch with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a potentially louder sound and a tactile bump during actuation, the Outemu Purple switch may be a good option. Keep in mind that the actual typing experience will also depend on factors such as the keyboard itself and the type of keycaps used.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your priority on sound and feel. If you value a quieter typing experience and a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin may be the better choice for you. Its muted sound profile and polished feel offer a refined typing experience, making it suitable for office environments or those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, if bottom out force is not a concern for you and you are looking for a tactile switch option, the Purple may be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Purple switch may produce more noise compared to the Dolphin due to its tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferences for typing feel and sound output. Whether you prioritize a silent and smooth typing experience with the Dolphin or a tactile response with the Purple, make sure to consider these factors before making your final choice.
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