Durock Dolphin vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet work environments and those who value discretion. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it offers a satisfying press and precise feel, making it perfect for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Yanyu excels in providing a delicate typing experience, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions. Its material blend contributes to a crisp sound profile, offering a unique typing sensation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is evident that both switches offer unique qualities. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for creating a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound profile, which may appeal to those looking for a different typing experience. While both switches have distinct characteristics in their top housing material, they ultimately cater to different preferences in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the Dolphin and the Yanyu, the contrast is also apparent. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. These differences in bottom housing materials showcase how the typing experience on each switch can vary based on the type of plastic used in the construction.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Dolphin and the SP-Star Yanyu, they both offer a unique typing experience that can cater to varying preferences. While the Dolphin utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing to create a sharper sound, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a pleasant and bright sound profile. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon for the Dolphin and the blend for the Yanyu contribute to the overall sound profile and typing feel of each switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. In terms of actuation force, both switches have an unknown measurement, making it difficult to determine which is lighter or heavier in terms of initial force required. However, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it lighter than the Dolphin. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yanyu may be the more suitable option due to its lower bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Dolphin may appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing feel with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Yanyu, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter distances that are becoming more popular in the market, catering to different preferences for key press depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in keyboard switches.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and bass-heavy sound profile. This makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a neutral and thocky sound, offering a more moderate and satisfying tone when pressed. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Dolphin being more suited for those who value a quieter typing experience while the Yanyu is perfect for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile.
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. This results in a sleek and precise typing feel, balancing precision with a satisfying press due to its medium-heavy actuation force. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, catering to those looking for a more gentle and approachable feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Dolphin leaning towards a more substantial and precise feel while the Yanyu focuses on a lighter and gentler touch.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in providing a quieter and more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for office environments or those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Yanyu offers a more delicate and gentle typing experience, with a focus on a deep and satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the specific typing environment in which they will be used. Both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for all users.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard and your personal typing preferences. If you value a medium-heavy actuation force and a muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Dolphin switch may be the better choice for you, especially if you prioritize precision and a satisfying press. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch could be the ideal option, especially for long typing sessions or shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing needs, so make your decision based on what aligns best with your typing style and working environment.
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