Durock Dolphin vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Silent Brown offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Durock Dolphins are linear switches known for their silent operation, making them an ideal choice for office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press, perfect for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches are tactile switches that offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. These switches are praised for their muted sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that offers a quieter operation, the Durock Dolphin may be the way to go, while those seeking a tactile feel and a satisfying sound may lean towards the TTC Silent Brown. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Silent Brown, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice 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 designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches offer similar characteristics in terms of their top housings, the Durock Dolphin and TTC Silent Brown differ when it comes to their bottom housings.
The Durock Dolphin features a bottom housing made of nylon, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its softer qualities, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound when typing on switches. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite using the same material for their bottom housings, the switches may still offer subtle variations in sound and feel due to other design factors.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Silent Brown play a crucial role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, despite the differences in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some key differences to note. The Dolphin has a unique actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires minimal force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams, which is on the lighter side, compared to the Silent Brown, which has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with a tactile bump, while the Dolphin provides a smoother and lighter keystroke. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Dolphin for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may lean towards the heavier and more tactile feel of the Silent Brown for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Dolphin or the Silent Brown, you can expect a consistent and familiar feel in terms of keypress feedback. This similarity in travel distance allows for a comparable typing experience between the two switches.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
In terms of sound, both the Durock Dolphin and TTC Silent Brown switches are described as producing a muted sound, making them both suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. The Dolphin is noted for its low-pitched sound profile, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is praised for its comfortable typing experience and muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience overall. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dolphin switch is described as providing a polished typing experience with smooth and refined key travel, resulting in a sleek feel while typing. This can be attributed to the materials used and potentially factory lubing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is characterized as offering a buttery typing experience with mild resistance, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke. The tactile bump in the Silent Brown switch also adds to the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying feedback with each press. Both switches fall into a comfortable middle ground in terms of resistance, making them approachable to most users.
Taking all of this information into consideration, it is clear that both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer excellent qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dolphin excels in providing a medium-heavy actuation force with a low-pitched sound and polished feel, the Silent Brown stands out for its comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and buttery feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for feel and sound, as both switches offer a pleasant typing experience that balances precision and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a silent typing experience and work in a noise-sensitive setting like an office, the Dolphin switch would be an excellent choice with its muted sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin switch would suit your typing style. On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch may be more up your alley. With its muted sound profile and buttery feel, the Silent Brown switch offers a smooth and effortless typing sensation that many users enjoy. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your workspace.
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