Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Silent White

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent White each present compelling characteristics for different user preferences. The Durock Dolphin, a silent linear switch, is particularly well-suited for office environments due to its muted sound profile, allowing for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers users a satisfying tactile response, appealing to those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White, also a linear switch, promises a smooth and quiet operation but lacks the distinct recognition or categorizations that contribute to its appeal. While both switches cater to those seeking a less noisy typing experience, their unique qualities make them better suited for different environments and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

Outemu Silent White Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent White switches share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which directly influences their sound profiles. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This rigidity allows for a clear and resonant acoustic signature, making each keystroke pop with clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially under RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through beautifully. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities when typing or gaming on both switches, with their top housings contributing to a vibrant auditory experience.

In contrast, both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent White utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly alters the overall acoustic characteristics compared to their top housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This design choice creates a nuanced balance, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound as well as a more cushioned feel during typing. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom ensures that each keystroke is well-rounded, providing a rich auditory experience that many typists and gamers appreciate.

When considering the overall sound experience of these switches, it becomes evident that while both the Dolphin and Silent White utilize the same top housing material, they complement each other with different bottom housing materials. The impact of each component is felt distinctly; the polycarbonate top primarily affects the sound when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom determines the sensation and acoustics during the actuation. If one is seeking a balance of sharpness and depth in their typing experience, both switches deliver impressive results through their harmonious blend of materials, making them suitable choices for a variety of preferences in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Dolphin switch has an undefined actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Silent White switch has a specific actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Silent White switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it better suited for prolonged use during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. While both switches have medium bottom out forces, the Dolphin's unknown actuation force leaves it less defined in terms of user experience at the point of keystroke initiation. This distinction suggests that users who prefer a more responsive feel might lean towards the Silent White switch due to its measurable actuation force, whereas those seeking a heavier, more deliberate keypress might gravitate towards the Dolphin.

Travel distance

The Durock Dolphin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Durock Dolphin is designed to provide a more substantial feel during key presses, catering to those who appreciate a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White, with its shorter travel distance, is geared towards users who favor quicker responses, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking enhanced performance. Overall, if you prefer a more responsive switch, the Silent White is the better choice; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced key press, the Dolphin would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switches stand out due to their muted and low-pitched characteristics. This means they produce a softer and quieter sound than traditional mechanical switches, making them an ideal choice for environments where minimal noise is a priority, such as offices or shared workspaces. The low-pitched tone contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, which can reduce distractions for both the user and those nearby. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Silent White switches, leaving their auditory qualities unknown.

Regarding the feel, the Durock Dolphin switches are celebrated for their polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is attributable to the materials used and/or factory lube, which reduces friction and enhances key travel. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g provides a firm and satisfying press, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. Unfortunately, there is no shared information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent White switches, making it impossible to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.

In conclusion, if you value a quiet typing experience, the Durock Dolphin linear switches are an excellent option, providing both a muted sound and a refined feel that enhances the overall typing experience. While we can derive specific qualities regarding sound and feel from the Dolphins, the lack of available information regarding the Outemu Silent White switches makes a direct comparison difficult. However, if you prefer a similar auditory and tactile experience, opting for the Dolphin switches would likely yield satisfactory results.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you work in an office or shared space where noise is a concern, the Dolphin’s muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it an ideal choice, ensuring minimal disruption to those around you while providing a satisfying tactile feedback with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams. This balance of resistance and smoothness allows you to type efficiently without compromising on a substantial feel. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more general linear switch without specific sound properties and slightly lighter resistance, the Silent White offers a solid alternative due to its 60-gram actuation force, making it suitable for casual gaming or personal use where sound is less of an issue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just the environment in which you'll be using the switch, but also your preferences for feel and resistance.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more