Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Durock Dolphins are known for their silent operation, making them a great choice for quiet office environments or workspaces where noise levels need to be kept low. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a satisfying press while still providing precision. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberries are praised for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Their attractive pink and clear housings add a touch of flair to any keyboard setup. The Dolphin is categorized as ['Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched'], while the Strawberry is categorized as ['Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Polished']. Both switches have their unique strengths, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Strawberry feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, while the Durock Dolphin also has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound, the KTT Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper sound profile. This creates a difference in sound between the two switches based on their housing materials.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Durock Dolphin results in a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is stiffer and creates a clearer resonance. This difference in bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the Durock Dolphin offering a more muffled and rounded sound compared to the sharper sound of the KTT Strawberry.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Strawberry leads to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and clear sound, the difference in bottom housing materials results in distinct sound profiles. The Durock Dolphin's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound, while the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper sound. Understanding how each housing material affects sound and feel can help users choose the switch that best fits their typing preferences.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has an actuation force of None grams, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing them in the medium category. The Dolphin offers a lighter actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods, perfect for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Strawberry provides a bit more resistance for a stronger push feel, giving a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin being on the shorter end and the Strawberry being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Dolphin due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to 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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 experience, making it a quiet and soothing option for those who prefer a more subtle typing sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch also boasts a low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Dolphin being slightly muted and the Strawberry delivering a similar low-pitched sound. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dolphin or the Strawberry, you can expect a pleasing and relaxing typing sound that won't disturb those around you.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort, with the Dolphin focusing on a polished finish for sleek key travel and the Strawberry prioritizing a frictionless and buttery sensation for fluid key presses. Whether you prefer the polished feel of the Dolphin or the silky touch of the Strawberry, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table when it comes to sound and feel. While the Dolphin offers a muted sound profile and a polished feel, the Strawberry provides a low-pitched sound and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Dolphin excelling in a more refined auditory experience and the Strawberry focusing on a buttery and silky smooth key feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Dolphin and KTT Strawberry switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, but rest assured that both options will deliver a high level of quality and satisfaction in your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for an office setting or anywhere noise levels are a concern, the Dolphin switch with its muted and low-pitched sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and frictionless typing feel, the Strawberry switch with its silky, buttery, and polished attributes might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium actuation force of 62 grams, so the decision comes down to sound preferences and typing feel. Choose the Dolphin for a quieter experience or the Strawberry for a smoother typing sensation.
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