Durock Dolphin vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a silent typing experience ideal for office or shared environments where noise levels are a concern. The Durock Dolphin features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a substantial feel that balances precision and resistance, making it perfect for those who prefer a bit more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Silent Red falls into the categories of 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. These general pointers can help guide your decision, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. In terms of housing material, these two switches are similar in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which ultimately leads to a similar sound experience for users.

However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Dolphin switch. On the other hand, the Silent Red also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. In this aspect, the two switches are alike in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, providing a consistent sound quality for users.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Dolphin and TTC Silent Red switches significantly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both switches make use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique sound qualities. The nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering users a more rounded typing experience. Therefore, whether choosing the Dolphin or Silent Red, users can expect a high-quality sound output thanks to the thoughtful combination of these housing materials.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch differ in a few key ways. The Dolphin switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option, while the Silent Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, giving it a bit more weight behind each keystroke. Both switches have a bottom out force that is in the medium range, with the Dolphin at 62 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams. This means that while the actuation force varies between the two switches, the bottom out force is very similar, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of key press depth. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dolphin switch for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier push feel of the Silent Red switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and desired typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular among gamers for their faster response times. A shorter travel distance can provide a more immediate and sensitive typing experience, making it ideal for competitive gaming. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. In this case, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and TTC Silent Red switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Dolphin and the TTC Silent Red switches are described as muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to louder switches. The Dolphin switch is also noted for its low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Silent Red switch doesn't specify a particular pitch, it still offers a similar muted sound that is ideal for those seeking a more discreet typing solution. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is described as buttery, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience that is uniform and consistent from top to bottom. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is noted for its mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone for most users. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, with the Dolphin offering a bit more resistance due to its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g.

To conclude, both the Durock Dolphin and TTC Silent Red switches offer a similar muted sound profile that is suitable for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. While the Dolphin switch provides a polished feel with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Silent Red switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience with a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a smooth and satisfying typing experience that meets the needs of those seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard solution.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you value a switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a balanced feel, the Dolphin is a great choice, especially for office settings where noise levels matter. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Silent Red is the way to go, perfect for shared living spaces or workplaces. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, the decision comes down to what best suits your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more