HMX Canglan V2 vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Durock Dolphin emerge as two compelling linear options, each bringing its unique qualities to the table. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and light feel, creating an inviting tactile experience that keyboard enthusiasts love. Its careful craftsmanship results in a deep, satisfying auditory feedback while delivering a smooth and almost buoyant keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is the go-to choice for users who prioritize a quieter operation. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a delicate balance between resistance and precision, making it ideal for office environments where noise control is paramount. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you crave auditory satisfaction and a softer touch with the Canglan V2 or a more muted, robust experience with the Durock Dolphin, each switch has its strengths. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Durock Dolphin switches exhibit distinct characteristics that significantly influence the acoustic and tactile experience for users. The Canglan V2 employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer texture that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material effectively absorbs sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience as users type. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that creates a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. The translucence of polycarbonate not only enhances clarity but also makes it a popular choice for setups utilizing RGB lighting, offering an aesthetically pleasing glow that complements the sharper sound signature.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a unified product experience in terms of sound dampening and tactile response. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both the Canglan V2 and the Dolphin contributes to a deeper, fuller auditory feedback when bottoming out keys, as it resonates with the same absorbing properties characteristic of nylon. This shared material allows users to expect a consistent feel between both switches in terms of how they respond when pressed down, emphasizing the significance of nylon's quality in shaping the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials leading to distinct sound profiles, the use of nylon in both bottoms of the Canglan V2 and Durock Dolphin means that the fundamental characteristics of tactile feedback remain similar. Each user will still experience a similar degree of sound dampening when bottoming out, balancing the unique auditory effects of the top housing materials. This synergy creates a cohesive typing experience, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the softer sound and feel of nylon from the bottoms, while also exploring the sharpness and clarity provided by polycarbonate or the deeper auditory resonance from the nylon tops of their respective switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Canglan V2 features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a smoother, less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use in work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dolphin has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force reaches 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance that provides a more substantial push feel when typing. This could appeal to users who enjoy a heavier switch for a more tactile interaction. Overall, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, while the Dolphin leans towards a heavier feel, making them suitable for different user preferences in keyboard feel and fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, the differences are clear. The Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dolphin's travel distance is slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter option, offering a quicker response time that is favored by gamers seeking efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress for a more pronounced tactile experience. Both switches provide distinct characteristics based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose according to their typing preferences—shorter for speed enthusiasts and longer for those who appreciate deeper strokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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.
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 HMX Canglan V2 linear switch delivers a thocky, low-pitched auditory experience that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. Its deep sound signature produces a satisfying thud when a key is pressed or released, creating an immersive and tactile typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switch offers a more subdued, muted sound. While it also possesses a low-pitched quality, the Dolphin minimizes noise effectively—making it an ideal choice for those in environments where silence is priority. Both switches utilize a low-pitched tonal quality, but the Canglan V2 stands out with its richer sound profile, whereas the Dolphin emphasizes a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 provides a silky and feathery touch, allowing for a remarkably smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Users can expect an easy keystroke that reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or intensive gaming. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the Canglan V2 adds an enjoyable rebound sensation upon key release. Conversely, the Dolphin makes its mark with a polished feel, thanks to its refined construction and potentially enhanced surface treatment. While the Dolphin does not emphasize lightness to the same extent as the Canglan V2, its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g provides a satisfying press, striking a balance between precision and resistance.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel, making each suitable for specific use cases. The Canglan V2 excels in delivering an engaging auditory and tactile experience, ideal for personal or dedicated setups where sound isn't a concern. The Dolphin, however, prioritizes a quieter experience while still providing substantial feedback, making it an excellent pick for shared workspaces or more subdued environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on the individual's priorities—whether they value a dynamic, rich typing experience or a more muted, refined touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a light touch typing experience combined with a deep, satisfying thocky sound, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or extended typing sessions, where finger fatigue is a concern. Its low actuation force of 48 grams allows for ease of typing, making it a favorite among those who favor a silky and bouncy feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more substantial feel and need a quieter switch for a shared workspace or office environment, the Durock Dolphin is ideal, with its medium actuation force of 62 grams delivering precision and a muted sound profile. The smooth, polished feel of the Dolphin will still provide comfort without being too intrusive in terms of noise. Ultimately, your selection should align with your specific needs—whether you seek ease and comfort in a lively environment or prefer a more weighted, silent experience in quieter settings.
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