Durock Dolphin vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry MX Red. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a balance of precision and satisfaction for those who prefer a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is another linear switch that is well-loved for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Dolphin is categorized as polished, muted, low-pitched, the MX Red falls under thocky, low-pitched, textured. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry MX Red, we can see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Both the Dolphin and MX Red benefit from this classic switch housing material in providing a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Durock Dolphin stands out with its polycarbonate material. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red sticks with a more traditional nylon top housing, providing a different typing experience with a softer sound profile. This contrast in materials highlights the importance of housing material in shaping the overall feel and sound of a switch.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Durock Dolphin and the Cherry MX Red ultimately offer a satisfying typing experience. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a unique sound profile and aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting, the MX Red's nylon top housing delivers a classic typing feel with a deep and full sound. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches cater to different preferences while still providing reliable performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that they have distinct characteristics. The Durock Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance level. However, its actuation force is listed as None, making it difficult to determine the exact force required for triggering a keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the Dolphin. The bottom out force of the MX Red is listed as Unknown, leaving uncertainty regarding the amount of force needed to fully depress the key. Despite the differences in force specifications, both switches offer unique benefits for users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Red, while individuals looking for a more substantial push feel might opt for the Durock Dolphin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin offering a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its faster activation, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the MX Red. Ultimately, the decision 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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard environment. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory depth to each key press. Depending on the other components in your setup, such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps, the overall sound of the switches can vary slightly, but both options deliver a pleasant typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is known for its polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, providing a subtle amount of friction that some users may find adds to their typing experience. This difference in feel can cater to different preferences, with the Dolphin switch appealing to those who enjoy a sleek and polished feel, while the MX Red switch may suit those who prefer a bit of texture in their keypresses for enhanced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound profile and polished feel, while the MX Red switch offers a deeper and more textured sound alongside its slightly heftier typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphins may be the ideal choice for you, especially in office or noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and a classic Cherry switch experience, the MX Red switches might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences, workspace requirements, and desired sound and feel characteristics in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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