Durock Dolphin vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

In the realm of mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The Durock Dolphins are celebrated for their silent operation, making them particularly suitable for office settings or quiet environments where noise dampening is essential. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they strike a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying tactile resistance, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is designed for those who seek a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems, providing a fluid and effortless keystroke. While the Tomcat switches deliver a resonant sound profile that some may find engaging, the Dolphins prioritize a muted experience. Choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feedback, and understanding their nuances can help inform 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

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it is immediately evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This similarity in material choice means that both switches will share a penchant for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant acoustic quality, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience when typing. Both designs also take advantage of polycarbonate's translucency, allowing RGB lighting to shine through vibrantly, thereby enhancing the visual aesthetic of the switches. Users looking for an enhanced sound experience along with visual appeal will find that both switches deliver similar results in this regard.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Dolphin and Tomcat (Heavy) incorporate nylon, a classic material known for its unique sound characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a contrast to the high-pitched clarity provided by the polycarbonate tops. Due to nylon's softer nature, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback during key presses. The commonality of nylon in the bottom housing implies that users will experience similarly warm and rounded sound qualities when bottoming out, regardless of whether they choose the Dolphin or the Tomcat.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing results in a harmonious blend of sound characteristics for both switches. While the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each leverage the benefits of their respective materials, their choices lead to shared audio profiles that cater to user preferences for clarity and depth. Those who appreciate distinct acoustic performance, as well as the visual appeal brought on by RGB capabilities, will find that both models offer compelling options for an engaging typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has an actuation force that is currently unspecified, but it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is categorized as medium. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. Consequently, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier switch in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel. The Dolphin, with its unknown actuation force but medium bottom out force, could potentially provide a lighter typing experience if its missing actuation force is lower than that of the Tomcat, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. For keyboard enthusiasts, these differences suggest that while both options fall within a medium force range, the Tomcat (Heavy) leans towards a more robust feel, whereas the Dolphin may offer a more variable experience depending on its unclear actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Dolphin offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Durock Dolphin provides a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile experience, especially for those who enjoy a hearty depth while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may be better suited for gamers or users who favor rapid key response and prefer a quicker actuation. For those prioritizing speed and efficiency, the 3.6 mm distance of the Tomcat offers a more responsive feel, while the Dolphin’s 3.8 mm distance results in a slightly more cushioned key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out in sound quality for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, producing a softer and quieter auditory experience that is particularly suitable for office settings or environments where sound levels are a concern. Its design minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring that typing remains discreet and unobtrusive. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, while lacking a specific sound profile description, is known for featuring Ly stems that contribute to a smooth typing experience. Given the absence of detailed sound descriptors for the Tomcat, it may still produce a resonance that is pleasantly engaging, depending on the combination with a keyboard's design and keycap material.

When it comes to feel, the Dolphin is particularly impressive, as its polished finish results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The combination of materials and potential factory lubing means reduced friction and a satisfying key travel sensation. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g also contributes to a firmer interaction, giving a sense of reliability and precision with every keystroke. In comparison, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is not explicitly described, leaving an unknown element that may pique the curiosity of enthusiasts. However, the smooth experience associated with its Ly stems suggests that the Tomcat may also offer a desirable tactile quality, albeit without the specific refinements noted for the Dolphin.

In summary, both the Durock Dolphin and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches provide compelling attributes that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in silent operation and a polished feel, making it a top choice for users who prioritize quiet typing with smooth action. The Tomcat (Heavy), while lacking certain details about sound and feel, promises a smooth typing experience that users will need to explore further. Ultimately, those choosing between these two switches can expect high-quality performance in either case, but nuances in sound and tactile feedback will guide individual preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience for an office or shared space, the Durock Dolphins are your go-to. With their muted sound profile and polished feel, they provide a smooth yet substantial press that balances resistance well for those who prefer a medium actuation force. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more robust tactile experience and prioritize smoothness without concern for noise, the Tomcat (Heavy) might be your better option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 64 grams and a design that emphasizes a super smooth typing experience, the Tomcat switches deliver a satisfying feedback with their resonant sound profile. Ultimately, consider your environment and what feels best for your typing style when making your decision between these two excellent options.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more