Durock Dolphin vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique advantages to users. The Durock Dolphins are renowned for their silent operation, making them an ideal choice for quiet work environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a satisfying press and precise feel, suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silvers stand out for their all-POM construction, short travel distance, and lightning-fast actuation. These switches produce a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and require a feather-light touch. This makes them perfect for users seeking rapid keystroke response and a smooth typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both contribute significantly to the sound profiles of the switches. While the Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles may appeal to different preferences, with the Dolphin offering a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's softer and rounder tone. However, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin switch provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a similarly deep and muted sound quality. The difference in housing materials between the two switches may affect the overall typing experience, with the Dolphin potentially providing a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Smoothie Silver. Despite this distinction, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience through their respective bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin creates a sharper and more resonant sound, suitable for users who prefer a clearer typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a deeper and more muted sound, catering to those who enjoy a softer typing feel. Both switches prioritize enhancing the overall typing experience through their unique housing materials, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while its actuation force is listed as None grams, indicating a light touch is required to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Dolphin, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Smoothie Silver may provide a quicker actuation but could potentially lack the same tactile feedback when bottoming out. Overall, the Dolphin switch seems to be lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Smoothie Silver's force profile remains unclear. Depending on personal preference, users may opt for the Dolphin switch for a lighter typing experience or choose the Smoothie Silver for potentially quicker keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Dolphin's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth to their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an ideal choice for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its thocky sound, offering a unique bass-heavy tone that adds a nice auditory feedback to typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer the muted sound of the Dolphin or the thocky sound of the Smoothie Silver will depend on personal preference and other factors like keycaps and keyboard construction.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The 62g actuation force provides a satisfying resistance that enhances precision while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features an all-POM construction with a short travel distance for quick actuation and a feather-light touch. This results in unparalleled smoothness that some users may prefer over the more substantial feel of the Dolphin switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a polished typing experience or lightning-fast actuation with a light touch.
In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound profile, the Smoothie Silver switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, trying out both switches on your own keyboard setup is the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the most.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you need a silent switch for an office setting or any place where noise is a concern, the Dolphin with its medium actuation force of 62g will be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver with its all-POM construction and short travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a more substantial feel with a muted, low-pitched sound (Dolphin) or a faster actuation with a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness (Smoothie Silver). Choose wisely based on your preferences and needs.
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