Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both being linear switches. The Durock Dolphin is a silent switch that is perfect for office environments or anywhere noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying press with a bit more resistance, ideal for those who prefer precision in their typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned. However, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their own set of characteristics. To choose the best switch for your needs, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch beyond the general descriptions provided.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is clear that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the Silent Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
While the polycarbonate top housing of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent Yellow may produce similar sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin offers a different typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that while both switches may share similarities in their top housing material, the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent Yellow may come down to personal preference when it comes to typing experience and sound profile. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing known for its sharp and clear sound profile, but the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent Yellow. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Dolphin or a fuller sound with the Silent Yellow, understanding the impact of housing materials on typing experience can help you make an informed decision based on your individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Dolphin is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 62 grams, compared to the Silent Yellow at 80 grams. However, the actuation force of the Dolphin is not specified, whereas the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Silent Yellow requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dolphin. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dolphin may be the better option, while those looking for a more substantial feel may prefer the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow, which may provide a quicker typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch's slightly longer travel distance might offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and keypress feel.
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 Silent Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle and discreet keyboard sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of acoustics. However, both switches offer the potential for a comparatively quiet typing experience depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel can enhance the overall typing comfort and precision for users. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch. As such, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in terms of the tactile feedback between the two switches.
Taking all this information into account, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is a solid choice for those seeking a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers a quieter typing experience, but with limited information available on its specific qualities, it may be a bit more of an unknown compared to the well-documented characteristics of the Durock Dolphin switch. Ultimately, both switches have the potential to provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the Dolphin offering more detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics. For users looking for a similar quiet typing experience, either switch could be a suitable option, depending on personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard and your preference for actuation force. If you work in a setting where noise levels are a concern, the Dolphin switch's silent operation makes it a great choice. Additionally, if you prefer a medium actuation force of 62 grams, the Dolphin offers a balance of precision and satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prioritize a heavier actuation force of 80 grams and noise levels are not a concern, the Silent Yellow may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and specific needs when it comes to typing experience.
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