Durock Dolphin vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. The Durock Dolphins are ideal for those who value a silent typing experience, making them perfect for office environments or anyone who needs to keep noise levels down. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they offer a satisfyingly precise press that strikes a balance between resistance and responsiveness. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerines boast an incredibly smooth feel that can elevate your typing experience to new heights. Thanks to the UHWMPE housings, each keystroke is a pleasure to type, although they do produce a higher-pitched clack. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but before making a decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the TKC Tangerine both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Dolphin uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, which offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials provide distinct sound characteristics, they both excel in delivering a unique typing experience, especially for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Dolphin incorporates a nylon material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Despite their differences in material, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, enhancing the typing experience for users who enjoy a variety of tactile feedback.
While the Durock Dolphin and TKC Tangerine have distinct housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience thanks to their innovative housing materials that cater to different preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Tangerine also has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Tangerine the lighter option between the two, as it allows for a smoother typing experience with less resistance. On the other hand, the Dolphin provides a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular for their quick response times, particularly favored by gamers. The Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking even faster key presses. On the other hand, the Tangerine provides a touch more depth in its travel, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 per 10 switches.
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, offering a quieter typing experience compared to many other mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those working in shared spaces or who prefer a more subtle auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch provides a high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound when pressed, offering a more distinct and potentially louder typing experience. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound ultimately comes down to personal preference and the environment in which they will be used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel can enhance the overall typing comfort and precision for users who prefer a more controlled keystroke. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its frictionless and buttery feel, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. This buttery sensation can provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation for users who value a high level of comfort and ease while typing.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a distinctive high-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery feel, enhancing the overall typing pleasure for users seeking a smooth and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and buttery typing feel with a high-pitched sound profile, the TKC Tangerine could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing style and environment.
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