Durock Dolphin vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between the Durock Dolphin and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silent operation, making it an ideal option for office environments or any workspace where minimizing noise is a priority. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it delivers a substantial and satisfying typing experience, providing just the right amount of resistance for those who appreciate a solid key press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a tactile switch experience with its pronounced tactile bump and rich "thock" sound profile that many typists find luxurious. While the U4Tx’s thoughtful design combines a pleasing auditory feedback with comfortable actuation, it retains a quieter topping out sound, making it a versatile addition to any keyboard repertoire. Both switches cater to distinct typing preferences—whether you lean towards the smooth, silent feel of the Dolphin or the tactile delight of the U4Tx, your choice will ultimately depend on your unique needs and usage scenarios. 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

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Dolphin's use of polycarbonate for the top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity and resonance, making it a popular choice for applications that prioritize bright acoustic responsiveness. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary plastic blend for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which produces a richer and deeper sound profile due to its inherently softer nature. While both materials serve their respective purposes, their differences yield unique acoustic results, with the Dolphin favoring a higher pitch and the U4Tx favoring a lower and fuller tone.

The bottom housing materials of both switches tell a similar story, as they each utilize softer plastics that enhance the sound characteristics of the switches. The Dolphin utilizes nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, rounder sound profile. Likewise, the U4Tx RGB features the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which also promotes a rich and deep sound experience. This similarity means that, despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches can achieve a comparable level of fullness and robustness in their sound profiles while typing. The interaction of the soft materials in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver enjoyable auditory feedback.

In summary, while the Durock Dolphin and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches differ in the materials used for their top housings—polycarbonate for the Dolphin and a proprietary blend for the U4Tx—the bottom housings share similar soft plastic properties that enhance their sound profiles. Each switch's unique top housing contributes to different high-end sound experiences, whereas the commonality in the bottom housing ensures that the rich, deep qualities remain evident in both options. Users can choose based on their sound preferences, knowing that the full experience will still offer robust auditory feedback thanks to the bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, both have unspecified actuation forces. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the U4Tx RGB exhibits a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter keystroke experience would find the Durock Dolphin more suitable, as it offers a slightly less forceful feedback when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, caters to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Dolphin might be the better choice, while the U4Tx RGB appeals to those who desire a firmer push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it is evident that the Dolphin features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the U4Tx RGB, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference might seem minimal, but it can significantly influence the overall typing experience. The Dolphin's longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those seeking quicker responsiveness, allowing for faster key presses and reactions. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will boil down to personal preference: if you favor a more traditional, hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Durock Dolphin is the better option, while those seeking a zippier and more responsive feel might lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Dolphin linear switch is designed to be exceptionally quiet, featuring a muted sound profile that minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. With its low-pitched tones, the Dolphin is perfect for users who prioritize a serene typing environment, making them suitable for office use or shared workspaces. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offers a more nuanced auditory experience, characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out. This sound enables a more luxurious typing sensation while maintaining a quieter profile at the top. However, the specific sound attributes and potential noise levels of the U4Tx RGB remain less defined without additional context regarding its overall tone variations.

Feel-wise, the Durock Dolphin shines with its polished texture, delivering a seamless and smooth typing experience. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g adds a notable resistance, which helps enhance precision during typing sessions. This quality is ideal for users who prefer feedback in their keystrokes without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's feel is celebrated for its tactile bump, which gives a sharp and engaging tactile experience, although specific details regarding its smoothness and overall actuation force are not provided. The Dolphin's smooth refinement contrasts with the U4Tx’s tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in how users engage with the keyboard.

In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches serve distinct user needs based on their sound and feel characteristics. The Dolphin presents itself as a silent, polished option for those who desire a substantial yet muted typing experience, while the U4Tx RGB offers a more tactile auditory pleasure with its deep sound signature. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver satisfying performances, albeit in different ways. If you're seeking a quiet workspace, the Dolphin will suit you marvelously. However, if you're drawn to a tactile and luxurious experience, the U4Tx RGB might just be the switch to enhance your typing enjoyment.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you work in a setting where noise levels are a concern, such as an office, the Durock Dolphins would be an ideal pick due to their muted sound profile and smooth action. Their medium actuation force of 62 grams offers a satisfying resistance that balances comfort and precision, making them perfect for long typing sessions where fatigue might be an issue. Conversely, if you enjoy the sensation of tactile feedback and appreciate a richer sound experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are likely more suited to you. Their slightly heavier actuation force of 65 grams delivers a pronounced tactile bump and a luxurious thock sound, enhancing your typing experience, especially if you're looking for a switch that combines a satisfying audible feedback with a more pronounced tactile sensation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a quieter, smoother ride with the Dolphins or a more tactile, responsive feel with the U4Tx RGBs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more