Durock Dolphin vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique advantages based on individual preferences. The Durock Dolphins are perfect for those who value a quiet typing experience with their silent operation, making them ideal for shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more energetic typing feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice creates a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for both the Dolphin and Salt Ice. However, while the top housings are the same, the Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and clearer sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates sound effectively.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice showcases how the switch's overall sound profile can be influenced by the material used. The nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin allows for a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique typing experience with deeper tones. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance in typing. This divergence highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and auditory feedback of a switch.
While the top housings of both the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice share similarities in their polycarbonate construction, the different bottom housing materials provide distinct characteristics to each switch. The split qualities of the bottom and top housings demonstrate how the typing experience can be influenced by the material composition of various parts of the switch. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Dolphin's bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice's bottom housing, each material choice contributes uniquely to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. By understanding how different housing materials affect typing experience, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions when choosing switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences. The Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in comparison. This means that the Dolphin switch may feel more substantial and require a bit more effort to press down fully, while the Salt Ice switch may offer a lighter typing experience with less resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with some users preferring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and others favoring a heavier push for a more tactile typing sensation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice for faster response times, while those seeking a more robust feel may prefer the Dolphin with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in keypress 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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer distinct experiences. The Dolphin switch provides a muted and low-pitched typing sound, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound, adding an energetic element to typing sessions. Both switches offer unique auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, offering a satisfying tactile feel with each press. Conversely, information about the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is not available. However, based on the characteristics of a light touch and vibrant feedback mentioned earlier, it can be inferred that the Salt Ice switch offers a responsive and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Dolphin switch excels in providing a silent and medium-heavy actuation force for a precise and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing feel. While each switch offers unique qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and overall typing experience depending on their specific preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience and work in a noise-sensitive area, the Durock Dolphin with its medium-heavy actuation force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more vibrant and clacky typing experience with a lighter touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy a tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
