Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Quinn. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it perfect for environments 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 Gateron Quinn is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users experience a rich and immersive typing experience. The Quinn switch is characterized by its snappy and clacky feel, providing a precise and clean tactile bump. The Dolphin is best described as polished, muted, and low-pitched, while the Quinn boasts a combination of snappy, bassy, clacky, and low-pitched qualities. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Quinn are both designed to enhance the sound profile of the switch, but they offer different characteristics. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic, while the Quinn's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in materials leads to a distinct typing experience for users of each switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Dolphin and Quinn switches are both made of nylon, which means they share similar qualities in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. This similarity in housing materials may result in a comparable bottom-out sound and feel for both switches, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is being used.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Quinn switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience for users. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Quinn's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to find the housing material that best suits their typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Dolphin has a lighter actuation force of None grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a light touch when typing. In contrast, the Quinn has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more resistance. Additionally, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Quinn has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. While both switches fall into the medium force category, the Quinn leans towards the medium-heavy side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Quinn has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin. The Dolphin falls closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Quinn is on the shorter end at 3.4 mm. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Quinn due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Dolphin with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switches provide a quiet and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switches offer a bassy, clacky, and resonant sound that adds character to each keystroke. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Dolphin switches being ideal for noise-sensitive environments and the Quinn switches for those who enjoy a more immersive and lively typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Gateron Quinn tactile switches are snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a responsive and lively feel with a prominent amount of tactility. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique feel, catering to different preferences for typing feedback.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switches and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dolphins provide a quieter and more medium-heavy actuation force experience, the Quinns deliver a crisp tactile bump with a deep and rich sound profile. Whether you choose one over the other will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you require a quieter typing experience for an office or shared workspace, the Dolphin switch may be the better choice due to its silent operation. On the other hand, if you value a unique tactile feedback and enjoy a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch with its crisp tactility and rich sound may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, ensuring that you select the switch that best enhances your overall typing experience.
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