Huano Acacia vs. Durock Dolphin

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Durock Dolphin represent two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Acacia, categorized as a medium-light linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional typing experience, complete with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, allowing for smooth keystrokes right out of the box. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin stands out as a silent switch, ideally suited for quieter environments, such as offices, where noise reduction is paramount. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a satisfying resistance that adds a tactile element to the typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a bit more heft in their keystrokes. While both switches have their individual strengths—be it the Acacia's effortless glide or the Dolphin's muted performance—each cater to unique user preferences and scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Durock Dolphin Linear

$3.39 per 10

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Huano Acacia and the Durock Dolphin feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which significantly shapes their acoustic profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucent nature also enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly for users interested in RGB lighting; it allows light to pass through effectively, creating an engaging visual experience. The uniformity in the top housing of both switches ensures that users can expect a similar level of sound clarity and brightness, making them appealing options for those who prioritize high-quality auditory feedback and visual aesthetics.

In contrast, when we examine the bottom housing of these switches, we find both utilize nylon, which introduces a different auditory experience. Nylon is characterized by its softer material properties, which absorb sound more effectively than the harder polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more rounded tonal quality when the switch is depressed. While the top housing lends a brighter sound signature during the release of a key, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall auditory experience by creating a rich, dampened sound upon actuation. As such, both switches maintain a balanced sound profile by combining the clarity of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon.

Ultimately, the design elements of the Huano Acacia and the Durock Dolphin create a complementary relationship between their housing materials. The polycarbonate upper section ensures that users experience a clear and resonant sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom enhances the sound and feel when a key bottoms out. Therefore, despite the differences in sound characteristics brought by the distinct materials, the overall experience remains harmonized due to the complementary nature of how each material affects sound production and tactile response. Users can expect a high-quality typing experience with consistent auditory feedback from either switch, given this strategic combination of materials.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Dolphin's actuation force is unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison there. However, the bottom out forces differ quite significantly: the Acacia bottoms out at 55 grams, which is lighter compared to the Dolphin's heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that while the Acacia offers a more gentle typing experience suitable for prolonged use, the Dolphin provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for enhanced feedback, especially during intense gaming sessions. In summary, the Acacia is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for comfort during extended typing, whereas the Dolphin's heavier characteristics cater to those who enjoy a firmer push feel.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This comparison highlights the difference in user experience between the two switches. The Acacia, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. In contrast, the Dolphin, with its longer travel distance, could be more suitable for users who prefer a deeper keystroke, providing a more pronounced feedback that not only feels more substantial but may also aid in improving typing accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth of travel; both options cater to distinct typing styles.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a subtle auditory experience that is generally regarded as quieter compared to its more clacking counterparts, but precise descriptions remain unspecified. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched tonal qualities. This means that the Dolphins will produce a softer and quieter sound when pressed, making them especially suitable for environments where maintaining noise levels is crucial. The low-pitched sound further contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience, creating an overall acoustically pleasant environment.

Regarding the feel of each switch, the Huano Acacia is known for its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, allowing for a smooth typing experience straight out of the box; unfortunately, specific details of its tactile feedback were not provided. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is noted for a polished feel, which indicates a refined and smooth key travel experience. This characteristic is attributed to either the materials used or the factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction that contributes to a sleek typing sensation. The Dolphins also feature a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, giving them a satisfying resistance that many typists might prefer for a more deliberate and precise keystroke.

In conclusion, while both the Huano Acacia and Durock Dolphin switches excel in providing commendable qualities, their differences cater to distinct preferences. The Acacia might appeal to those who enjoy a lighter touch with a straightforward experience, while the Dolphin is ideal for users seeking a more substantial feel coupled with a quiet operation suited for professional settings. Although specific characteristics of the Acacia's sound and feel were not detailed, it is evident that both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences, each catering to different typing styles and requirements.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a light touch with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience without much resistance. This makes it suitable for long typing sessions where you may want less effort per keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with more resistance and a satisfying feel, the Durock Dolphin, with its medium actuation force of 62 grams, is the way to go. Its polished finish and muted, low-pitched sound profile make it ideal for noisy office settings or shared workspaces, offering a combination of comfort and discretion. In summary, choose the Acacia for a lighter touch and enhanced typing fluidity, and opt for the Dolphin when you want a more substantial feel and a quieter experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more