Durock Dolphin vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew U4Tx stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it perfect for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, this switch provides a satisfying press with just the right amount of resistance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of sound profiles, combining a deep "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Each press on the U4Tx delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. While the Dolphin excels in providing a polished and muted typing experience, the U4Tx offers a more bassy and sharp feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew U4Tx, we can see that both switches utilize a unique blend of materials for their top housing. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing provides a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Despite the difference in sound profiles, both top housings are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, with the Dolphin catering to those who prefer a crisper sound and the U4Tx appealing to those who enjoy a richer tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. On the other hand, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Although both switches use different materials for their bottom housings, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew U4Tx have different housing materials for both their top and bottom components, they ultimately share a common goal of enhancing the typing experience for users. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deep and full tone. In contrast, the U4Tx combines its proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom materials to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. Whether you prefer a crisper sound or a richer tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see that both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams, making them suitable for users who prefer a medium amount of force when typing. However, the actuation force of the Dolphin is unspecified, while the U4Tx has an actuation force of None grams. This means that the Dolphin may have a lighter touch when initially pressing a key compared to the U4Tx. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the Dolphin for its potentially lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the U4Tx may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may provide a slightly faster input compared to the Dolphin, but the 0.2 mm difference is unlikely to be noticeable for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and how each individual user perceives and values the travel distance difference.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a bassy and muted sound profile, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches excel in producing a more refined and subtle sound compared to typical mechanical switches, with the Dolphin leaning towards a lower pitch and the U4Tx emphasizing a bass-heavy sound, depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and excellent key travel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, delivering a strong and crisp bump with every keypress. While the Dolphin offers a sleek and polished feel, the U4Tx provides an intense and distinct tactile response that appeals to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile sensation while typing.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it's evident that these switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in providing a medium-heavy actuation force with a balanced precision feel and a quiet, low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a switch with more resistance but less noise. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a luxurious typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and a bassy, refined sound profile, appealing to users who seek a distinct tactile feedback combined with a rich acoustical experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dolphin or the U4Tx, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance, with the key differences lying in the sound and feel preferences that each switch offers.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a silent typing experience and need to minimize noise levels, the Dolphin may be the better choice with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you want a luxurious typing experience with a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, the U4Tx is the way to go. The U4Tx offers a unique combination of a deep, bassy sound and a crisp tactile bump, making it perfect for those who appreciate both acoustics and tactility in their switches. Ultimately, your choice will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, so take these factors into consideration when making your decision.
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