Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Pine both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press with a balanced level of resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is also a linear switch but stands out for its smooth and buttery typing experience. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine reduces friction for effortless key travel. While the Dolphin is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Pine is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own merits, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Pine, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Although both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the difference in their bottom housing materials introduces distinct characteristics to their typing experience. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will impact the sound upon key release. This split in material qualities enhances the overall typing experience and allows for a more dynamic sound profile.
In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin and KTT Pine share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. These variations demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience and highlight how different materials can impact sound quality and feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams. This means that the Dolphin requires no force to trigger a keystroke, making it lighter in feel compared to the Pine. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Dolphin has a higher force of 62 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams. This makes the Dolphin heavier in terms of bottoming out, providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if someone prefers a lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, they should opt for the Dolphin switch. On the other hand, if they prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a lighter bottom out force, the Pine switch would be more suitable. Both switches provide a medium feel overall, with the Dolphin leaning towards the heavier side and the Pine being slightly lighter in comparison.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Dolphin switch for faster inputs. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may lean towards the Pine switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth 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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out for its muted and low-pitched profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for shared workspaces. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and rich tonality during key presses. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Dolphin focusing on a softer sound and the Pine emphasizing a more bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is recognized for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished surface contributes to a sleek typing experience, perfect for those who value a refined feel. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switch enhances the overall typing experience, providing a seamless and uniform feel with each press.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer distinct but equally appealing characteristics. The Dolphin excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound profile, as well as a polished feel for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Pine switch stands out for its bassy and low-pitched sound, along with a buttery and creamy feel that ensures smooth and effortless key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on sound and feel preferences. By choosing either switch, users can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience that meets their individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you value a silent typing experience, the Dolphin switch with its muted and low-pitched sound profile may be the ideal choice for an office setting or shared workspace. On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth key travel and a buttery typing sensation, the Pine switch's factory-lubed finish and creamy feel might be more appealing for a personal typing setup. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, so it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a quieter typing experience (Dolphin) or a smoother tactile feel (Pine). Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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