Durock Dolphin vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile switches can greatly impact your typing experience. On one hand, the Durock Dolphin offers a silent and precise typing experience, perfect for those who work in quiet office environments. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, users can enjoy a substantial feel that combines precision with a satisfying press. The Dolphin switch is ideal for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and is categorized as polished, muted, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch that provides a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke. The tactility of the Purple Sakura is pronounced yet not overpowering, offering a mild and neutral sound signature while typing. Categorized as buttery, mild, neutral, and snappy, the Purple Sakura switch is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Dolphin and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature polycarbonate top housings, which create sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, providing a unique typing experience for users of both switches.
On the other hand, the Dolphin and the Purple Sakura differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dolphin utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon housings. Similarly, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials.
Overall, while both the Durock Dolphin and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share the use of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience. This demonstrates how the housing materials of a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both have medium bottom out forces, with the Dolphin being slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Dolphin is unspecified, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that while the Dolphin may require a heavier force to bottom out, the Purple Sakura requires less force to trigger a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Sakura may be the better option, allowing for less fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Dolphin for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched experience, creating a softer and quieter typing environment ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing scenarios without being too loud or too subtle. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Dolphin excelling in reducing noise levels and the Purple Sakura offering a moderate and versatile sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. On the contrary, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation with responsive feedback. While the Dolphin focuses on a polished finish for precision and smoothness, the Purple Sakura offers a luxurious and tactile typing experience that engages the user with its unique characteristics.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community. The Dolphin excels in providing a silent and medium-heavy actuation force for precise typing, while the Purple Sakura offers a tactile and buttery downstroke with a snappy response. Whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience like the Dolphin or prefer a more luxurious tactile feel like the Purple Sakura, both switches offer quality and performance that will enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. If you enjoy one aspect of either switch, you can expect similar quality in terms of sound, feel, and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and needs. If you value a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel, the Dolphin may be the right choice for you, especially if you require a quieter typing experience in a shared workspace. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response, a buttery downstroke, and a mild, neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura could be the better option, especially if you prioritize a tactile typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and the environment in which you'll be using them. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying typing experience that best suits your needs.
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