Introduction
The e-rig market has evolved significantly, with devices ranging from $100 budget options to premium powerhouses. The Dr. Dabber Switch² sits firmly at the premium end, commanding $420 for its induction heating technology and comprehensive feature set.
What separates the Switch² from competitors is its heating approach. Rather than using coils that directly contact concentrates, induction heating uses electromagnetic fields to heat the insert itself. This eliminates burned spots, provides more even vaporization, and keeps the vapor path cleaner—at least in theory.
Design and Build
The Switch² makes no pretense of portability. At 9 inches tall and 25.6 ounces, this is a desktop device designed for home use. The substantial size accommodates the induction heating system and provides a stable base that will not tip during use.
Build quality is excellent throughout. The body feels solid and premium, with a soft-touch coating that resists fingerprints. The glass attachment is thick borosilicate with a well-designed percolator for smooth filtration. Every component fits together with satisfying precision.
The included carb cap features a magnetic attachment that keeps it in place when not in use—a small detail that reflects the overall attention to design. LED lighting around the base provides ambient feedback on temperature and status, customizable through the app.
What's in the Box
The Switch² kit includes:
- Switch² induction heating base
- Glass percolator attachment
- 20mm quartz insert
- Carb cap with magnetic attachment
- Dr. Dabber Drop heated loading tool
- USB-C charging cable
- 36W charging adapter
- User manual
Including the Drop loading tool (normally $40) adds genuine value. This heated tool makes loading concentrates much easier than standard dab tools, especially for stickier materials.
Induction Heating Technology
The Switch² uses induction heating, which fundamentally differs from coil-based devices:
How It Works
The base contains electromagnetic coils that create a magnetic field. When you place a compatible metal insert (the quartz insert has a metal component underneath), the field induces electrical currents that generate heat directly in the insert.
Advantages
Even heating: The insert heats uniformly rather than from a single point, vaporizing concentrates more consistently.
No direct coil contact: Concentrates never touch heating elements, eliminating the risk of burning and improving flavor.
Cleaner vapor path: With no coils in the vapor path, there is less chance of inhaling degraded materials.
Temperature precision: The infrared sensor monitors actual insert temperature, not just heating element power, providing more accurate temperature control.
Real-World Performance
In practice, the induction heating system delivers noticeably cleaner flavor compared to coil-based devices. Low-temperature dabs taste more like the concentrate's natural profile, with less of the "electric" taste that can accompany some coil devices.
Heat-up time varies from 5-30 seconds depending on your target temperature. Lower temperatures heat faster, while maximum temperature (650°F) requires more time.
Dynamic Heating Modes
The Switch² offers three heating profiles that distinguish it from simpler devices:
Descent Mode
Replicates traditional torch dabbing by starting at your set temperature and gradually decreasing (1°F per second). This mimics the natural cooling of a heated banger, which many dabbing purists prefer.
Ascent Mode
Perfect for cold starts. The device begins at a lower temperature and gradually increases, allowing concentrates to melt and vaporize slowly. This preserves terpenes better than hot starts.
Steady Mode
Maintains your set temperature consistently throughout the session. Best for users who want predictable, repeatable results.
The ability to switch between these modes dramatically expands the Switch²'s versatility. Different concentrates and personal preferences benefit from different approaches.
App Connectivity
The Dr. Dabber app unlocks full customization:
Temperature Control
Precise temperature selection from 250-650°F in single-degree increments. Create and save custom profiles for different concentrates.
Session Settings
Adjust hold times, session duration, and heating curves. Fine-tune each mode to your exact preferences.
LED Customization
Choose from preset lighting themes or create custom colors. While purely aesthetic, it adds personality to sessions.
Usage Tracking
Monitor session counts, average temperatures, and battery health over time.
The app is not required for basic operation—the device works with button controls—but accessing the full feature set requires smartphone connectivity.
Insert Options
The included 20mm quartz insert is 300% larger than the original Switch, providing ample capacity for substantial dabs. However, upgrade options are available:
Sapphire Insert ($130)
Lab-grown sapphire offers superior heat retention and the cleanest possible flavor. Heat distribution is exceptionally even, and cleaning is effortless.
Titanium Insert ($25)
Faster heating than quartz, with the ability to use dry herbs in addition to concentrates. Flavor is slightly less pure than quartz or sapphire.
ALN (Aluminum Nitride) Insert ($100)
Premium heat retention with rapid heating. Sits between sapphire (best flavor) and titanium (best heating speed).
Battery and Charging
The Switch² provides approximately 30 heating cycles per charge—decent for a desktop device, though heavy users may find themselves charging daily.
USB-C pass-through charging means you can use the device while plugged in, effectively providing unlimited sessions when near an outlet. Full charging takes 60-90 minutes depending on your power adapter.
The included 36W adapter charges faster than standard phone chargers, but any USB-C source will work.
Water Filtration
The glass attachment features an effective percolator that cools and filters vapor. Water level should be just above the percolator holes—overfilling leads to splashback.
The glass is thick and well-made, though still requires careful handling. Replacement glass is available from Dr. Dabber if needed.
Maintenance
Induction heating simplifies cleaning compared to coil devices:
After Each Session
- Q-tip the insert while still warm
- Wipe the carb cap
- Empty and rinse the glass if desired
Weekly
- Soak the insert in isopropyl alcohol
- Deep clean the glass attachment
- Clean the carb cap and seal
The insert's smooth surface cleans easily, and with no coils to replace, ongoing maintenance costs are lower than coil-based devices.
Who Should Buy the Switch²
Premium enthusiasts: If you appreciate the best possible dabbing experience and have the budget, the Switch² delivers.
Flavor chasers: Induction heating provides noticeably cleaner flavor than coil devices, especially at low temperatures.
Home users: The size and weight make this a dedicated home device—perfect for your main setup.
Tech enthusiasts: App connectivity and dynamic heating modes appeal to those who enjoy customization.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Budget-conscious buyers: At $420, this is a significant investment. The Boost Evo offers great performance at $154.
Portable users: The Switch² is not designed for travel. Consider the XS or Boost Evo for portability.
Simple preference: If you just want to heat and inhale without apps and modes, simpler devices exist.
Final Verdict
The Dr. Dabber Switch² represents what is possible when price is no object. Its induction heating delivers genuinely superior flavor, the dynamic heating modes provide unprecedented control, and the build quality justifies the premium positioning.
The $420 price will exclude many buyers, and that is fine—this device targets serious enthusiasts who demand the best. For that audience, the Switch² delivers an experience that coil-based devices simply cannot match.
If you are considering premium e-rigs, the Switch² deserves serious consideration. Its combination of heating technology, customization options, and build quality sets the standard for the category.
Related: Dr. Dabber Switch² Manual | Dr. Dabber Boost Evo Review