Durock Dolphin vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office settings where minimizing noise is essential. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a compelling balance between precision and satisfying resistance, appealing to those who enjoy a slightly more substantial press. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding, a hall effect switch, is recognized for its smooth operation and deep sound, providing keyboard enthusiasts with a balanced typing experience that emphasizes both satisfaction and accuracy. Notably, the Rice Pudding switches are compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, offering an added layer of performance and versatility for tech-savvy users. While both switches cater to different needs—be it the quiet focus of the Durock Dolphin or the rich feedback of the Everglide Rice Pudding—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches feature similar materials for their respective housings, primarily polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during typing. Additionally, the clear nature of the polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for illuminated keyboards. As both switches utilize polycarbonate in the same manner, users can expect a very similar high-quality auditory experience when opting for either switch.

In contrast, the material used for the bottom housing is nylon for both the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, which gives them distinct sound qualities that complement the top housing material. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate. As a result, switches constructed with nylon for the bottom housing yield a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a richer typing experience. This characteristic of the bottom housing becomes particularly prominent during typing, where the nylon absorbs the impact noise and alters the overall auditory feedback, resulting in a more rounded sound.

When the two switches are evaluated together, it becomes evident how the combination of polycarbonate and nylon works to produce a cohesive auditory and tactile experience. Each switch's top housing contributes to the sharpness of sound when the key is released, while the nylon bottom housing influences the sound and feel during the press. Therefore, consumers looking for an elevated typing experience can have confidence that both the Durock Dolphin and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches will yield similar results, as their use of many of the same materials leads to comparable sound characteristics and provides a full range of tactile feedback. The sharing of these essential components ensures that whether you choose the Dolphin or the Rice Pudding, you will enjoy a satisfying blend of sound and feel in your keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct preferences for typists and gamers. The Dolphin's actuation force is unknown, but it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. As a result, the Rice Pudding switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Dolphin’s heavier bottom out force might appeal to those looking for a more substantial feel when bottoming out, offering more tactile feedback. Overall, the Rice Pudding switch provides a softer keystroke experience, while the Dolphin could be preferred for a firmer typing sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Durock Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option between the two. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Dolphin a better choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feel when pressing keys, providing a more traditional experience compared to the Rice Pudding’s quicker response time, which may appeal more to gamers seeking efficiency during fast-paced gameplay. Overall, the choice depends on personal preference for travel distance; the Dolphin offers greater depth while the Rice Pudding provides a subtler, more immediate tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin switches are notably muted and low-pitched, ensuring that they produce a softer and quieter auditory experience, making them a fantastic option for environments where discretion is key. This creates an ideal typing experience that minimizes the usual clatter associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing users to focus on their tasks without disturbing others around them. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches do not have a defined sound profile, which leaves their acoustic qualities less explored. However, it’s important to remember that sound output can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, making specific comparisons challenging.

In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switches stand out with their polished touch, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished feel is primarily a result of the materials used and possibly factory lubing processes, leading to reduced friction and enhanced key travel that many users appreciate. The Rice Pudding switches, however, do not have a specified feeling profile outlined, leaving us without detailed insights into their tactile sensations or resistance. This uncertainty means that users may need to rely on personal experience or firsthand accounts to gauge their precise tactile qualities.

In summary, while the Durock Dolphin switches are characterized by their muted sound and polished feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches remain somewhat enigmatic, especially concerning sound and tactile feedback. If you prioritize a quieter, more controlled typing experience, the Dolphins would be your go-to option. However, for those seeking versatility and potentially different feel qualities, the Rice Pudding switches could offer unique benefits worth exploring. As with all mechanical keyboard choices, preferences will ultimately dictate which switch works best for individual users.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you work in an office or any environment where noise levels are crucial, the Dolphin will likely be your best bet due to its muted sound profile and comfortable medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams. The polished feel of these switches ensures a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making them perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter switch for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Rice Pudding switch—with its lighter actuation force of 48 grams and unique hall effect mechanism—provides an exciting blend of smoothness and auditory feedback. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting keyboards makes them a fantastic choice for enthusiasts seeking performance and versatility. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize a quieter, more tactile experience or the responsiveness and smoothness of a light switch for gaming or casual use.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more