Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, and the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch. The Durock Dolphins are well-known for being silent switches, making them a fantastic choice for office settings or any environment where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a substantial and precise feel that appeals to those who prefer a bit of resistance in their keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom doesn't have a specific standout feature, but it falls under the tactile category, offering a satisfying bump when pressed. While the Dolphin is categorized as polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Tom doesn't fall under any specific category. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Tom switches share many similarities as they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile for both switches. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances the typing experience and aesthetics.
While the top housings of the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Tom switches are the same, their bottom housings differ in material. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a rounder and duller sound for the Dolphin switch. Similarly, the Tom also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deeper and fuller sound when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches enhances the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials, whether polycarbonate for the top or nylon for the bottom, are distributed between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Despite this distinction, both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Tom switches offer an enhanced typing experience due to their thoughtful selection of housing materials that contribute to a pleasing sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the Tom requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more defined tactile feedback when typing. When it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a satisfying resistance when pressing the keys fully. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Tom is unknown. If both switches were to have the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Tom switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin switch. When it comes to typing or gaming preferences, the shorter travel distance of the Tom switch may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Tom 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 silent operation, making it a preferred choice for quiet environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying press that balances precision and resistance. The sound produced by the Dolphin switches is muted and low-pitched, resulting in a softer and bass-heavy tone that minimizes noise typical of mechanical keyboards. The feel of the Dolphin switches is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have specific information available regarding its sound or feel qualities. However, based on the information provided about the Dolphin switches, we can infer that the Tom switches may not offer the same level of silent operation, low-pitched sound, or polished feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out for its silent operation, medium-heavy actuation force, muted and low-pitched sound, and polished feel. These qualities make it a suitable choice for users looking for a quiet and precise typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Tom tactile switch are unknown, it is expected that the Dolphin switches would provide a more refined and satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you require a silent switch with medium-heavy actuation force for a quieter workspace, the Dolphin may be the better choice. On the other hand, if bottom out force is not a crucial factor for you and you prefer a different tactile feel or sound profile, the Tom could be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and it's important to prioritize what matters most to you when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
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