HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Dolphin are two popular linear switches that cater to different preferences and environments. The Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force of 50g, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright, airy typing experience coupled with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a muted and polished experience, which makes it an excellent choice for quieter settings, such as offices, where noise levels matter. The distinction in sound and actuation force between these two switches highlights how personal preference and environment can guide your choice. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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 - 50g and the Durock Dolphin, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The Cloud - 50g employs a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate’s rigidity contributes to clearer and more resonant audio feedback during typing. Aesthetically, the transparent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, making the Dolphin more visually striking under such conditions.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Cloud - 50g and the Dolphin utilize nylon, which means they share similar acoustic properties at the foundational level. The use of nylon here results in a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound, characteristic of both switches. While the nylon material may give each switch a consistent tactile and aural experience upon keystroke, the differentiation in top housing materials leads to contrasting auditory experiences. Therefore, when typing on either switch, the softer nylon bottom contributes to a nuanced and full sound, irrespective of the top housing’s effect on resonance and clarity.
Overall, the combination of varying materials in the top and bottom housings means each switch presents its unique character through sound and feel. While the Cloud - 50g harnesses the warmth of nylon for both housing components, the Durock Dolphin contrasts it with a stiffer polycarbonate top that enhances clarity and brightness. Ultimately, this synergy between materials suggests that users who appreciate the rounded depth of sound will find common ground in the nylon of both switches, whereas those who favor a sharper auditory experience will lean towards the Dolphin’s polycarbonate housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, suggesting a firmer feel when bottoming out. This makes the Dolphin heavier than the Cloud - 50g in terms of bottom out force. Therefore, those seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use would likely prefer the Cloud - 50g, while individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel may lean towards the Durock Dolphin. Overall, while the Cloud switch offers a softer touch, the Dolphin caters to those who appreciate a noticeable resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Dolphin the shorter option, and for those who favor responsiveness and quicker keypresses, it might be the more appealing choice. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g provides a more substantial depth, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper keystroke for a more tactile experience. Despite the minimal difference in distance, users may find that their typing or gaming preferences lean more towards one switch over the other based on these subtle variations. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Cloud - 50g offers a slightly longer key travel, catering to those who appreciate a bit more depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch delivers a clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bright and lively auditory experience while typing. This characteristic provides an engaging ambiance that many enthusiasts find satisfying. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switch is designed to be much quieter, featuring a muted sound profile that significantly reduces noise. Its low-pitched tone offers a more mellow typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise minimization is crucial. As sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's design and keycap choice, both switches will cater to different preferences depending on the specific setup used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its silky smoothness, providing a pleasant and seamless typing experience that appeals to those who prioritize a light touch in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, offering a more substantial feel that appeals to users who appreciate a switch with a bit more resistance. This slight variation in feel caters to different typing styles, with the Cloud switch promoting effortless key presses and the Dolphin switch encouraging more deliberate and controlled typing.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is ideal for those seeking a bright sound and a smooth feel, while the Durock Dolphin switch excels in providing a muted auditory experience with a more substantial resistance during actuation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, you may find one switch more suitable than the other, or you might appreciate the unique qualities each offers in different contexts. Understanding these traits can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, ensuring you choose the switch that aligns perfectly with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you lean towards a lightweight, clacky sound profile and appreciate a bright typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is your ideal match. Its smooth feel and lighter actuation make it perfect for fast-paced typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy a more audible feedback during your sessions. On the other hand, if you require a switch that remains quiet, such as in an office setting, or you prefer a more substantial keystroke experience, the Durock Dolphin is the way to go. Its muted sound and medium-heavy actuation force provide that satisfying press without the distraction of noise, complemented by a polished feel that enhances your overall typing comfort. Ultimately, consider not only the tactile response and acoustic preferences but also the context in which you'll be using your keyboard—this will guide you to the switch that best elevates your typing experience.
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