HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Dolphin mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, ideal for those who enjoy a bright and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it perfect for quieter environments with its medium-heavy actuation force. While the Cloud switch offers a silky smooth feel and a high-pitched sound, the Dolphin provides a more muted and low-pitched typing experience. These general characteristics can help guide your decision, but for a more informed choice, it's essential to delve deeper into the specific features and nuances of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Dolphin, one can see a clear distinction in the sound profiles they produce. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer composition that enhances clarity and resonance. The aesthetic aspect also differs, with the Dolphin's clear polycarbonate housing being more conducive to RGB lighting compared to the Cloud's nylon housing.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both the Cloud and the Dolphin. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience on these switches may have some overlap in terms of sound and feel. However, the differences in their top housing materials, nylon for the Cloud and polycarbonate for the Dolphin, will still play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Dolphin may come down to personal preference regarding sound and aesthetics. Those seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile may lean towards the Cloud with its nylon housing, while individuals looking for a sharper and crisper sound may prefer the Dolphin's polycarbonate housing. Additionally, the potential impact of RGB lighting can be a deciding factor for some users, as the Dolphin's clear housing may enhance the visual appeal of a keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch are quite different. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the unknown actuation force of the Dolphin. However, the bottom out force of the Dolphin is 62 grams, which is slightly lower than the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams. Overall, the Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force but a similar bottom out force compared to the Dolphin. This means that typing on the Cloud - 63.5g may require a slightly stronger push, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Dolphin may offer a lighter feel for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Cloud - 63.5g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Dolphin being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Dolphin, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g 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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound, ensuring a quieter typing environment suitable for office settings. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a lively and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switch is known for its polished feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for a refined typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch appeals to individuals looking for a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force for precision and satisfaction. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Dolphin switches will depend on whether you prioritize a brighter and bouncier typing experience or a quieter and more refined feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider the type of typing experience and environment you prefer. If you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force for a bright and tactile typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch with a medium actuation force for a more muted and precise typing experience, the Dolphin switch would be the ideal option, especially for office or noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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