Durock Dolphin vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and environmental considerations, making a comparison between the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Taichi particularly enlightening. The Durock Dolphin is celebrated for its silent operation, making it an ideal option for office environments or quiet workspaces where noise is a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying press and precise input, appealing to users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi, known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, offers a unique auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience for those who enjoy a more sonorous clatter. Its long-pole stem and extended springs lead to exceptional smoothness and stability, making it a strong contender for gamers and typists alike who prioritize fluidity and sound. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Taichi both feature top housings made of polycarbonate, a material renowned for its stiffness and translucency. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is favored by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The use of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound experience, making it particularly well-suited for setups that utilize RGB lighting. The clarity of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the RGB lighting can shine through effectively. As a result, both models will yield similar audio characteristics due to their identical top housing materials, providing users with a bright and defined keystroke experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are composed of nylon, which is recognized for its softer properties compared to polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. The inherent sound-absorbing qualities of nylon allow for a rounder and duller sound, creating a pleasant contrast to the crisper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The combination of a softer bottom housing with a stiffer top housing will yield a balanced overall sound experience, with the bottom housing's impact being more noticeable during key bottoming out. Thus, while both the Dolphin and Taichi employ the same nylon material for their bottom housings, this does not compromise their sound production but rather enhances the overall auditory experience.
Ultimately, the Durock Dolphin and Bsun Taichi demonstrate how the interplay between different housing materials can lead to nuanced acoustic properties in mechanical keyboard switches. With the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom being uniform across both models, users can expect a cohesive sound experience characterized by sharp highs and rich lows. This harmonious balance allows enthusiasts to enjoy the same vibrant RGB aesthetic alongside a satisfying auditory feedback profile. Therefore, both switches, while branded differently, are poised to deliver comparable performance owing to their common material compositions, making them excellent choices for users seeking optimum sound and visual aesthetics in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces present a notable contrast. The Dolphin switch features a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, but it does not have specified actuation force data. In contrast, the Taichi switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option compared to the Dolphin. However, its bottom out force information is not available. This creates a scenario where while the Dolphin could potentially offer a firmer typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, users of the Taichi may find a comfortable typing experience due to its lighter actuation force. Overall, the Dolphin switch is heavier, which may appeal to those looking for a more robust typing sensation, while the Taichi is lighter, catering to those who prefer sustained typing or gaming without excessive strain. Without more data on the Dolphin's actuation force or Taichi's bottom out force, a definitive comparison on the feel can only be drawn based on the known parameters.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Taichi measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Taichi the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation for faster response times. Conversely, the Dolphin's longer travel distance may be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile and robust feel when typing, as it provides a more significant depth before actuation. In summary, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Taichi's shorter travel distance may suit your needs better, while the Durock Dolphin may be the choice for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress 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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switches are characterized by their muted, low-pitched sound profile, making them an ideal option for those seeking a quieter typing experience. This low noise level, combined with a softer and more bass-heavy tone, minimizes the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making the Dolphins particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise management is essential. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switches are designed to produce a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to their long-pole stems and extended springs. This results in a distinct, pronounced auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the understated tone of the Dolphin switches. However, the overall sound of any switch will still be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Dolphin switches provide a polished experience, characterized by smooth and refined key travel, resulting from superior materials and possibly factory lubrication. This polished touch minimizes friction, offering a comfortable and responsive typing sensation that many users appreciate for its effectiveness during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Taichi switches, making it difficult to compare directly. That said, the focus on stability and smoothness in their design suggests they may deliver a solid feel, but specifics are currently unknown.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switches and the Bsun Taichi linear switches comes down to the importance of sound and feel in your typing experience. If you prioritize a muted and refined sound with a polished feel, the Dolphins are the clear winner. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced sound profile and potentially a unique tactile experience, the Taichis might be appealing. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, so evaluating these qualities based on your specific needs will guide your decision effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Dolphin linear switches and Bsun Taichi linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and typing preferences. If you work in an environment where noise is a concern or you simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the Durock Dolphins are an excellent option. Their muted and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, provides a satisfying yet quiet tactile feedback that is ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that delivers an enchanting and distinctive acoustic experience alongside a remarkably smooth feel, the Bsun Taichi switches might be what you want. The extended springs and long-pole design promise exceptional stability and fluidity, making each keystroke feel effortless, albeit with some sound that could stand out. Therefore, consider your prioritization of sound versus feel to determine which switch will best enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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