Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphins are silent switches with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, making them a great option for office environments due to their low noise levels. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches stand out for their smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, they deliver a distinctive high-pitched and clacky sound. While the Durock Dolphins provide precision and satisfaction with a bit more resistance, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a buttery and resonant typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches offer unique qualities. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its smoothness and durability, making for a clacky and reliable typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer a range of benefits through their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the Dolphin's top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream's top housing offers a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in the Dolphin contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances smoothness, clackiness, and durability. These contrasting qualities showcase the versatility and nuances of housing materials in mechanical switches, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, feel, and durability. While the Dolphin excels in providing a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offering a deep sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its proprietary KTT blend and POK bottom housing, delivering a high-pitched and clacky typing experience with exceptional smoothness and durability. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Dolphin has a higher actuation force at None grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams while the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 48 grams. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream the lighter option overall, which may appeal to those looking for a smoother and quicker typing experience. On the other hand, the Dolphin, with its higher bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Dolphin has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. The Dolphin may provide a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, adding a sharp and crisp element to the typing experience. While the Dolphin offers a more subtle and subdued sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream brings a more vibrant and distinct auditory feedback to the table.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy feel, offering a seamless and effortless key press that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing sensation, with the Dolphin focusing on a polished finish while the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a buttery and creamy texture.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in offering a quiet and refined typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound, coupled with a polished key feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, complemented by a buttery and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more subdued and polished typing experience or a vibrant and buttery one.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you need a silent switch for an office or quiet workspace, the Dolphin might be the better choice with its medium-heavy actuation force and muted, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing experience with a light actuation force, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is a standout option with its buttery and creamy feel, high-pitched and clacky sound, and use of POK material. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force will determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Mentioned in this article
