Durock Dolphin vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, one key difference stands out immediately: noise level. The Dolphin is praised for being a silent switch, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments or shared workspaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a more pronounced and clacky typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit of sound feedback while typing. In terms of actuation force, the Dolphin has a medium-heavy 62g force, providing a satisfying press with a bit more resistance, while the Yoel offers a chewy typing experience that envelops fingertips with every press. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a more muted and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the Dolphin and the Yoel differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Dolphin using nylon and the Yoel using POM. While the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile, the POM bottom housing of the Yoel offers a more muted and deeper sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch, with the Dolphin focusing on a fuller sound and the Yoel aiming for a unique and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of performance, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches in the Durock Dolphin and the PH Studio Yoel results in variations in sound and feel when typing. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This design choice allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each switch offering a unique sound profile based on its housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. However, the actuation force of the Yoel is 53 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Dolphin is not specified. This means that the Yoel requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Dolphin. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the Yoel may be the better choice, while the Dolphin may be preferred by those who seek a slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Dolphin has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Yoel, making it the switch with the longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for fast response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Yoel with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Dolphin with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 best suited for those seeking a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for quieter work environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, providing a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Dolphin focusing on a softer and mellower noise while the Yoel delivers a sharper and more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch is noted for its creamy, polished, and silky feel, offering a buttery sensation with effortless keystrokes that glide smoothly across the keys. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile feedback, with the Dolphin emphasizing precision and resistance, while the Yoel focuses on delivering a creamy and silky typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Dolphin excels in providing a muted and low-pitched sound profile with a polished typing feel, appealing to those who prefer softer noise levels and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Yoel stands out with its clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound qualities, accompanied by a creamy and silky typing feel that provides a more immersive and satisfying typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your environment and personal typing preferences. If you value a silent typing experience and need to maintain low noise levels in an office or workspace, the Dolphin with its medium-heavy actuation force and muted, low-pitched sound profile would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a chewy, resonant typing feel, the Yoel with its slightly lower bottom out force and creamy, polished sensation may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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