Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Durock Dolphins are renowned for their silent operation, making them ideal for office environments where noise can be disruptive. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying yet substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance, characterized by their polished, muted, and low-pitched qualities. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its smooth action and appealing thocky sound profile, offering a delightful typing experience while providing a more budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality. Each switch has its unique strengths, making the Dolphin preferable for quieter settings and the Smoothie ideal for those seeking an enjoyable acoustic experience. 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
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we observe distinct differences in both the top and bottom housing that contribute to their unique auditory profiles. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality results from polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which helps create a clear and resonant sound profile that particularly shines when backlighting is involved. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, a material celebrated for its ability to deliver a deeper, more muted sound. This fundamental difference in material creates contrasting auditory experiences: while the Dolphin offers brightness and clarity, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans toward a more subdued sound.
The bottom housing materials also differentiate these two switches, with the Dolphin using nylon and the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizing POM. Nylon, historically a classic choice, tends to produce a fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a similar depth to sound but leans towards a more unique and pleasing timbre. Both switches, therefore, offer a deeper auditory profile due to their bottom housing materials; however, the nylon in the Dolphin is described as rounder while the POM creates a distinctive sound that maintains a muted quality.
Despite these differences in materials, the interaction of the top and bottom housings can lead to an overall cohesive experience in sound production. For users looking for specific results, understanding how each housing contributes can help in achieving a desirable keyboard sound. The impact of the bottom housing is most pronounced when bottoming out, while the top housing significantly affects the sound produced during release. Therefore, while the Dolphin and the Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials, enthusiasts can still enjoy a richly diverse auditory experience characterized by the strengths of each housing type. By mixing the properties of the top and bottom materials, a user can achieve a satisfying balance between clarity and depth in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force highlight their unique characteristics. The Dolphin lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a somewhat medium feel when completely pressed down. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option, which can facilitate longer typing sessions and gaming without as much strain. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, leaving uncertainty on how it may perform in that regard. Thus, while the Dolphin offers a heavier bottom out experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a softer touch in terms of actuation, appealing to users who prefer a lighter switch for extended use. Overall, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may gravitate toward the Dolphin, while those in favor of less resistance may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a slight difference notable in their specifications. The Durock Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Dolphin switch provides a marginally deeper feel, which can appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times and a quicker feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, your choice will be influenced by whether you favor the deeper, more tactile experience of the Dolphin or the brisk, responsive nature of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 excels in sound, being notably silent and producing a muted, low-pitched tone. This makes them an exceptional option for those in shared workspaces or environments where minimal noise is a priority. The sound profile of the Dolphin ensures a quieter typing experience compared to clacky switches, allowing users to type without disturbing others around them. While the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch does not have specified sound qualities, it is known for offering a "thocky" sound profile, which tends to favor a more resonant and fuller auditory experience. However, the specific characteristics of the Sea Salt Smoothie’s sound remain unclear, and the final auditory output will also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switches provide a polished experience characterized by a smooth and refined key action, making for an enjoyable typing experience with reduced friction. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g offers a degree of resistance that many typists appreciate, striking a balance between comfort and control. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its overall smoothness, although specific tactile descriptions or comparisons are not available. The absence of defined depth in the Sea Salt Smoothie feel means that while it promises smoothness, the exact sensations it delivers compared to the Dolphin remain unspecified.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin switches present a compelling choice for users seeking a silent, polished typing experience with enough resistance to enhance precision. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile and smooth action but lacks detailed attributes on feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences; if sound is a priority, the Dolphin's muted nature shines, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those who prefer a richer auditory feedback. Selecting either will depend on individual preferences, but anyone investing in quality mechanical switches will likely experience satisfaction in usable performance, regardless of the specific characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself in an office setting or any workspace where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, the Durock Dolphin would be the ideal choice for you. Its muted sound profile and low-pitched tones ensure a quieter typing experience, while the medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, if you're looking for a vibrant and smooth typing experience without compromising on sound quality, then the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. Although its exact bottom-out force may be unknown, its medium-weight feel combined with a thocky sound profile will elevate your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more tactile and responsive feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with your workspace needs and your personal taste in switch characteristics—whether you prioritize silence and resistance or smoothness and a rich auditory experience.
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