Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Dolphin is well-regarded for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments or any space where noise is a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a satisfying press with a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a switch with substance. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black also offers a quiet typing experience, perfect for environments that require minimal noise. This switch features a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal sound feedback, providing a smooth typing experience. Both switches are categorized with similar attributes like 'muted' and 'polished', indicating a gentle and precise key press. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches exhibit some key differences. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, creating a relatively high-pitched and satisfying clacky sound. However, both switches share a similar feature in their top housing material, providing clear housing for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound.
The choice of housing materials in the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches also impacts the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. This contrasts with the bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black, which also utilizes Gateron's INK blend for a more high-pitched and clacky sound. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the material of the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches showcase the importance of housing materials in generating unique sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to contribute different qualities to the overall typing experience. Whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Dolphin or the clacky sound of Gateron's INK blend in the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force compared to the Silent Ink Black. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Silent Ink Black's bottom out force of 70 grams. The Dolphin can provide a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dolphin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. The Dolphin's 3.8mm travel distance may provide a slightly quicker and more responsive feel, whereas the Silent Ink Black's 4mm travel distance may offer a slightly more deliberate and deeper typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches both offer a muted sound profile, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The Dolphin switch produces a low-pitched sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushiony, soft bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, both switches offer a quiet typing experience, making them suitable for office or shared workspace settings. The Dolphin switch is ideal for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance at a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, while the Silent Ink Black switch provides a pillow-like bottom-out feel. Depending on your personal preference for actuation force and typing feel, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either of these switches. Experimenting with different boards and keycap combinations can further enhance or alter the overall typing experience to suit your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and work in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared workspace, the Durock Dolphin switch with its medium actuation force of 62g is a great choice. On the other hand, if you seek a cushiony, quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70g, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a bit more resistance and precision with the Dolphin, or a smoother, quieter typing experience with the Silent Ink Black.
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