Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately differentiate between the two based on their key features. The Durock Dolphins are known for their silent operation, making them an ideal choice for environments where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a balanced feel that combines precision with a satisfying press, appealing to users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are praised for their light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making them perfect for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Yellow Silver utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when comparing the housing materials of these two switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dolphin features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the typing experience on switches with nylon bottom housings may feel slightly different and produce a distinct sound compared to switches with other bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the housing materials of switches play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Yellow Silver share the qualities of a polycarbonate top housing, their differing nylon bottom housings contribute to unique sound profiles. Whether users prefer a sharper, crisper sound with the Dolphin or a deeper, fuller sound with the Yellow Silver, the choice of housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has a unique characteristic of having no specified actuation force, while the Yellow Silver switch requires 45 grams to actuate. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Yellow Silver switch that bottoms out at 55 grams. This means that the Dolphin switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight considerations, the Dolphin switch would be preferred by those who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel, while the Yellow Silver switch would be favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer medium to medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience for users depending on their preference.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Yellow Silver's 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Dolphin's 3.8 mm distance may appeal to those seeking a more responsive key press, while the slightly longer 4 mm travel distance of the Yellow Silver may provide a more satisfying depth to the press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 provides a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those seeking a quieter option. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile, appealing to a wider range of users for various uses. When paired with different keyboards and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches may vary, so it's essential to consider the overall setup for your desired sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing sensation. This polished quality enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing a seamless key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, based on the provided information, it can be assumed that the Yellow Silver switch may offer a more standard typing feel compared to the polished experience of the Dolphin switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and potentially different typing feels. The Dolphin switch excels in providing a quieter and more polished typing experience, while the Yellow Silver switch is favored for its neutral sound and light actuation force. Depending on individual preferences and intended use, both switches can provide satisfying results, albeit for different reasons. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a substantial and satisfying press with medium-heavy actuation force, as well as a quieter sound profile, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a great choice for you, especially if you work in an office environment where noise levels matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes, and prioritize speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be the ideal option for you, especially if you are a gamer or typist. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
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