Durock Dolphin vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Akko Rosewood present two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches that cater to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin is recognized for its silent operation, making it particularly suited for office settings or any workspace where minimizing noise is a priority. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a balanced tactile experience that combines precision with a satisfying press. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches stand out with their deep, thocky sound profile, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that ensures a richly satisfying auditory feedback on each keystroke. While both switches fall under the linear category, their unique characteristics—mute versus moody, and subtle resistance versus resonant output—highlight the importance of individual preferences in keyboard choice. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Akko Rosewood, while both featuring nylon bottom housings that contribute to a fuller and deeper sound profile, diverge significantly in their choice of top housing materials. The Dolphin utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known to create a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. This quality enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate a high-pitched sound when typing. The choice of polycarbonate, especially in clear housings, also aligns well with RGB lighting setups, allowing for a visually striking and illuminated experience.
In contrast, the Akko Rosewood opts for a nylon top housing, similar to its bottom housing. This choice contributes to a more cohesive sound signature, characterized by the rounded and subdued tones that nylon inherently provides. The softer nature of nylon allows the sound to absorb more impact, resulting in a smoother typing experience, albeit with less emphasis on treble and clarity compared to the Dolphin. As such, users of the Rosewood may find the overall typing experience to be warmer and less abrasive, appealing to those who favor a softer auditory feedback when typing.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials create distinct sound profiles in both switches despite sharing the same nylon bottom housing. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, complementing the fuller sound from its nylon bottom, the Rosewood’s entirely nylon composition delivers a consistently deep and mellow tone. Users will notice these differences when pressing the switches, as the Dolphin will provide a sharper auditory feedback upon release, while the Rosewood will foster a more subdued and rounded sound experience. Ultimately, these characteristics not only influence the user’s auditory feedback but can also affect their typing preference, catering to different styles and preferences in keyboard feel and sound.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin and Akko Rosewood linear switches present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Dolphin switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance during the keystroke. In contrast, the Rosewood switch has a defined actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, while the Dolphin may provide a heavier keypress experience overall, the Rosewood switch is notably lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer a smoother and less tiring typing experience during extended use. For those who value a more substantial feel in their typing, the Dolphin may be the better choice, while users looking for a lighter switch will find the Rosewood more accommodating.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Dolphin offers a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Rosewood has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Dolphin switch, you may experience a more responsive feel, which many gamers favor for quicker input reactions. On the other hand, the Rosewood's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Overall, your choice between these two switches may depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or depth in your key presses.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 characteristics, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in being exceptionally quiet. Its muted nature allows for a softer typing experience, ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices. The low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience, giving it a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep and satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, attributed to its factory-applied lubricant, which enhances its acoustic properties and adds a more pronounced auditory feedback. The difference in sound profiles suggests that while the Dolphin may be more suited for quiet settings, the Rosewood provides a richer auditory pleasure for those who appreciate a more resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This quality can be attributed to either the materials used in construction or the factory lubing process, which significantly reduces friction and allows for fluid key travel. The actuation force of 62g adds a medium-heavy feel that balances responsiveness with a satisfying resistance. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Akko Rosewood linear switch remain unspecified. However, given the overall trend of Akko switches, one might expect a solid typing experience that complements its sound profile.
In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin and Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Dolphin prioritizes a quiet and polished typing experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments, while the Rosewood offers a deeper sound and possibly a distinct feel, enriching the typing experience for enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one values a muted yet smooth typing experience or a more resonant auditory feedback paired with unknown tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environmental needs. If you work in a shared office space or prefer a quieter typing experience, the Durock Dolphin is the better choice. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile, combined with a medium actuation force of 62 grams, ensures a smooth but deliberate press that balances a satisfying tactile feedback with a more discreet operation. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response, the Akko Rosewood switch would be ideal. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, it offers effortless keystrokes and a deeper 'thocky' sound right out of the box, perfect for those who appreciate a more expressive audio experience while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with both your typing style and the atmosphere in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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