Durock Dolphin vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Durock White Lotus offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments or noise-sensitive spaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press and precision that appeals to those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for discerning typists, offering a delicate tactility that enhances typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. These switches are categorized as easy-to-press, low-pitched, mild, neutral, subtle, providing a tranquil typing experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for RGB lighting as it is translucent. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both offer distinct advantages in terms of sound and aesthetics, the Dolphin's polycarbonate housing may produce a crisper sound compared to the White Lotus's modified blend.
On the other hand, both the Dolphin and White Lotus have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This shared feature between the two switches highlights their emphasis on sound quality and typing experience. Despite differences in top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing in both switches plays a significant role in the overall sound profile and tactile feel during typing.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the Durock White Lotus may come down to personal preferences in terms of sound profile and feel. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing may provide a sharper sound, the White Lotus's modified blend top housing offers a premium feel. However, both switches feature nylon bottom housings that enhance the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Dolphin or the premium feel of the White Lotus, both switches offer a high-quality housing construction that contributes to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are quite different. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams and an unknown actuation force, while the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams and an actuation force of 46 grams. Compared to the White Lotus, the Dolphin switch has a heavier bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a lighter actuation force, which may appeal to individuals looking for a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium force category, but the Dolphin is on the heavier side, while the White Lotus is on the lighter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dolphin. A 0.2mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience. If you prefer a slightly deeper press, the White Lotus tactile switch might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quicker response time and a shallower press, the Dolphin linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth keystroke experience, but the White Lotus provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, producing a soft and quiet sound with a more bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, with a neutral tone that is moderate and suitable for various environments. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience that is ideal for office settings or shared spaces, with the Dolphin leaning towards a softer sound and the White Lotus offering a more balanced tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, the White Lotus switch provides a mild and subtle typing feel that is approachable and comfortable, enhancing the overall typing experience for extended sessions. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience tailored to different preferences, with the Dolphin focusing on smoothness and refinement while the White Lotus prioritizes ease of use and comfort.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both offer distinctive qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Dolphin excels in providing a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for those seeking a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the White Lotus stands out for its light tactile feedback and vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a perfect choice for users who value a delicate tactility and visual aesthetics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, but rest assured that both options will deliver satisfying results tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you require a silent option for office or shared spaces, the Durock Dolphin switch with its medium-heavy actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light tactile switch with a delicate typing experience and customizable RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose wisely based on your specific needs and enjoy the typing experience that best suits you.
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