Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Wine Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it ideal for office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press, perfect for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is also a linear switch but is loved for its intoxicating feel and satisfyingly deep sound profile, offering a pillowy light touch and rich sound 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
44g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and KTT Wine Red switches, we see that both feature a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials may lead to a noticeable difference in typing experience between the two switches.
While both the Durock Dolphin and KTT Wine Red switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for similar sound characteristics, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing results in a softer and more absorbent sound profile, whereas the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced when pressing down on the switches. Additionally, the aesthetics of the switches may vary due to the different materials used in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and KTT Wine Red switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both feature polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the differing bottom housing materials offer distinct sound characteristics. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound from nylon or a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate may influence the decision when selecting a switch. It's important to consider how the bottom housing material will impact the overall typing feel and sound profile to determine which switch best suits individual preferences.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have medium bottom out forces, with the Dolphin requiring 62 grams and the Wine Red needing 55 grams. However, the actuation force of the Dolphin is undisclosed, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams for actuation, making it a lighter option. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Wine Red for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may lean towards the Dolphin for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force may differ between these switches, both provide a similar medium bottom out force, making them suitable options for those looking for a moderate typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Dolphin being slightly shorter than the Wine Red. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Wine Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter switch option. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, delivering a deep and rich typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially when paired with different keyboards and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, information on the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is currently unavailable. Despite this, based on the description of the Dolphin switch, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch may offer a similar polished and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch each offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Dolphin switch is known for its muted sound and polished feel, making it a great option for office environments or those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch provides a rich and deep sound profile, with a potentially similar polished feel like the Dolphin. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that can cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing newcomers to explore and find the perfect switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you require a silent switch for a noise-sensitive environment, the Durock Dolphin would be the ideal choice with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a pillowy light typing feel with a rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red may be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it is important to consider what qualities are most important to you before making your decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dolphin or the Wine Red, you can be confident in experiencing a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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