Durock Dolphin vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The Durock Dolphin is a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, making it a great choice for environments where noise is a concern. The switch offers a polished, muted, and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a gentle tactile feel with smooth actuation and a poppy tactility, creating a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and Jerrzi Violet both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both the Dolphin and Violet excel with their polycarbonate top housings, providing a similar experience for users looking for a more defined sound profile.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Durock Dolphin utilizes a nylon material while the Jerrzi Violet also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Even though both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing, the impact on the sound and feel of typing will be slightly different due to the unique design and construction of each switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and Jerrzi Violet offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches benefit from the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their nylon bottom housings create unique sound characteristics. Users can expect a crisper sound with the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. In comparison, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force is not listed. The Dolphin switch provides a more consistent typing experience with its known bottom out force, while the Violet switch offers a lighter touch for those who prefer less resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to key presses, while the Violet may appeal to those seeking a faster response time with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and 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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter switch that won't disturb others. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users in various environments. Both switches offer different sound qualities suited to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on individual noise level preferences and work environments.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile feel with two distinct stages during the keystroke. This difference in tactile feedback means that the Dolphin switch may be favored by those looking for a smoother typing experience, while the Violet switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more nuanced tactile response.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin provides a quieter typing experience with more resistance, ideal for those who prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy actuation force. On the other hand, the Violet switch offers a balanced tactile feel with a gentle bump, suitable for users seeking a tactile switch with a smooth actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force that is suitable for office environments or those who prefer a bit more resistance, then the Durock Dolphin switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a smooth actuation and pleasing tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound signature for a balanced typing experience, then the Jerrzi Violet switch is the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you before making a decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dolphin or the Violet, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your individual needs.
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