Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin is favored for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments like offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a substantial and precise typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While both switches are categorized as low-pitched, the Dolphin leans towards a polished and muted feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon is described as neutral and mild. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and specific needs. 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
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. Despite the similarities in top housing material, the differences lie in the bottom housing. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience.
While both the Dolphin and Sea Salt Lemon switches boast nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the top housing of the Dolphin features polycarbonate, creating a sharper and clearer sound upon release of a key. This highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch. The choice of material in the top and bottom housing can greatly influence the typing experience, with each material offering its own unique benefits. In this case, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dolphin emphasizes a crisper sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a more pronounced bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a distinct, sharp sound when keys are released, while the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. By understanding the qualities each housing material brings to the table, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions when selecting switches that align with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in how the typing experience will feel. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light to activate, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have medium bottom out forces, with the Dolphin requiring 62 grams and the Sea Salt Lemon needing 53 grams. This means that the Dolphin will have a lighter feel overall compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the preferred choice due to its slightly heavier actuation force. However, for users who enjoy lighter switches that allow for longer typing sessions, the Dolphin may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Dolphin switch. The 0.2mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Dolphin switch would be the better option. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper press and more feedback, the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference of travel distance.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch is well-known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch also features a low-pitched sound, but with a more neutral profile that can cater to a wider range of users. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dolphin is polished, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, striking a balance between different characteristics of linear switches.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a quieter sound profile and a more substantial feel, the Dolphin may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a more neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the ideal option for you. Remember, the overall typing experience is also influenced by factors such as your keyboard, keycaps, and personal preferences. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that is silent and provides a medium-heavy actuation force for a precise and satisfying typing experience, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a great choice for you, especially if you work in an office setting or in need of a quieter switch overall. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
