Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both fall under the linear switch category. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it perfect for quiet office settings or any environment where noise is a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it offers a satisfying press that balances precision with resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver doesn't have any particular standout feature but is known for its linear feel. It's important to consider whether you value silence and tactility (Durock Dolphin) or straightforward linear feedback (Outemu Silver). 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silver, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dolphin and the Silver both utilize a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
Despite both switches featuring similar housing materials, the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Silver exhibit slight differences in their sound profiles due to the distribution of these materials. The nylon bottom housing in each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience with each switch.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silver share the same housing materials in terms of polycarbonate and nylon, the distribution of these materials in each switch leads to subtle variations in sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound upon key release, especially ideal for RGB lighting effects. Meanwhile, the softer nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Dolphin or a rounder sound profile with the Silver, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has a unique characteristic of having no specified actuation force, making it quite intriguing. On the other hand, the Silver switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Dolphin. In terms of bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams, while the Silver necessitates 65 grams, making the Dolphin slightly lighter in this aspect. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing experience, with the Dolphin being a lighter option and the Silver providing a slightly heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Dolphin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Silver 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 renowned for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to compare in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switch boasts a polished quality, offering a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Silver switch. Overall, if you opt for the Durock Dolphin linear switch, you can expect a quiet and polished typing experience with medium-heavy actuation force. While the Outemu Silver switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, it may provide similar qualities to the Dolphin if you are looking for a linear switch with similar attributes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing feel and sound levels. If you prioritize a silent environment with a medium actuation force and a polished, smooth typing experience, the Durock Dolphin switches would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and do not have specific requirements for noise levels or typing feel, the Outemu Silver switches may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your workspace.
Mentioned in this article
