Durock Dolphin vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. The Dolphin switches excel in providing a silent typing experience, making them ideal for office settings or anywhere noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they offer a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between precision and satisfaction. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switches are perfect for those who crave maximum tactility, offering a sharp tactility and a clean clack when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the POM T1's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While polycarbonate is known for its translucency and ability to enhance RGB lighting effects, POM offers a different aesthetic with a more subdued sound profile. In terms of sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin offers a higher-pitched sound, while the POM top housing of the POM T1 provides a deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Dolphin and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) feature nylon and POM materials, respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin provides a deep and full sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 contributes to a deeper and more muted sound experience. These housing materials have a significant impact on the typing experience, as they influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. While the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin offers a duller and rounder sound, the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 delivers a unique and pleasing sound profile.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may have different top and bottom housing materials, they both provide a unique typing experience with their respective sound profiles. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dolphin creates a sharp and resonant sound, while the POM T1's POM housing offers a deeper and muted sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Dolphin or a deeper tone with the POM T1, both switches deliver excellent performance based on their housing materials.
Weight
Both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have a similar actuation force of None grams, making them offer a consistent typing experience in terms of initial force needed to register a keystroke. However, where they differ is in their bottom out force. The Dolphin requires 62 grams to bottom out, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) requires 67 grams, making the Sunflower switch slightly heavier. This means that while both switches may feel similar when typing lightly, the Sunflower switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when more force is applied. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dolphin linear switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, making the Dolphin switch a good choice for gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press with a slightly longer travel distance. Whether you choose the Dolphin or POM T1 switch, both options offer a different tactile experience that caters to different preferences, ensuring you'll get similar satisfying results with either choice.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter and deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a resonant and neutral sound, featuring a higher-pitched and clean auditory experience suitable for various users. The choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating tactile feedback with a distinctive bump in each keystroke. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response during typing sessions.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, catering to individuals with specific preferences in typing experience. Those looking for a silent and medium-heavy actuation force switch may opt for the Dolphin, while individuals seeking maximum tactility and sharp feedback may prefer the POM T1. It's important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing environment, and keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, you should consider your environment and preferences. If you value a silent switch for an office or quiet workspace, the Dolphin with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with maximum tactility and a satisfying clean clack, then the POM T1 (Sunflower) with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should also take into account the sound profile and feel you desire, as the Dolphin offers a muted and low-pitched sound while the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a resonant and neutral sound. When it comes to feel, the Dolphin is polished for a smooth typing experience, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) is sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating for a more intense tactile feedback. Consider these factors to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and environment.
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