HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and specific use cases, and two popular linear options that stand out are the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Dolphin. The Deep Navy switches are renowned for their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes them a fantastic choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switches are lauded for their silent operation, making them an excellent option for office settings or environments where noise control is crucial. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin switches deliver a satisfying tactile resistance without the audible click, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued yet responsive feel. While both switches cater to different needs—one focusing on sound and smoothness and the other on quiet operation and a balanced actuation force—it's essential to explore each option more thoroughly to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Dolphin, a stark contrast emerges from their choice of materials for the top housing. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon, a softer plastic that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile when the switches are engaged. This material's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounder auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a less pronounced keystroke feedback. Conversely, the Dolphin employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is stiffer and delivers a sharper, more resonant sound. This clear, high-pitched profile is particularly appealing for users who may enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feedback during typing, especially in scenarios where RGB lighting is utilized to enhance visual aesthetics.
Interestingly, both the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Dolphin feature nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that in terms of sound absorption, both switches will yield similar auditory characteristics when pressed down. The nylon material in the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile when users bottom out their keystrokes. The deep, rounded sound is maintained consistently across both models due to this shared choice of bottom housing material. This aspect illustrates how the two switches, while differing in their top housing materials and the resulting sound profiles when releasing the keys, converge on creating a similar audio experience when pressed down.
In summary, the disparity between the top materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—creates distinct auditory characteristics for the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Dolphin. However, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will provide a fuller sound experience when bottomed out. Users who prioritize RGB lighting effects may lean towards the Dolphin for its clear polycarbonate top, while those seeking a more muted, comforting sound may prefer the Deep Navy. Regardless, both options promise a satisfying typing experience, blending unique auditory profiles from the top housing with the complementary, deeper tones of the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to press down. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin does not have a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a firmer keystroke experience. This heavier bottom out force suggests that users may feel a more substantial feedback when pressing down, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter switch, while the Dolphin's weight contributes to a heavier typing experience, making the two suitable for different preferences based on user comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Consequently, the Deep Navy offers a more responsive experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers who appreciate quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the Dolphin's longer travel distance may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced keypress, as it provides a deeper feel while typing. Ultimately, if you're looking for a swift response, the shorter Deep Navy switch is the way to go; however, if you prefer a more substantial tactile experience, the Dolphin would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 considering the sound profiles of the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Dolphin linear switches, there is a notable contrast. The Deep Navy switch is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, which is a result of its full nylon construction. This combination tends to produce a pronounced auditory feedback with every keystroke, making it a more vibrant choice. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin is designed with silence in mind, offering a muted sound that minimizes the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards. The Dolphins produce a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone, which can be more pleasant in quiet environments, making them particularly suitable for office settings or shared workspaces.
When examining the feel of each switch, the differences continue to stand out. The Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness, attributed to the Ly stem, which ensures effortless key travel, providing an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switches are described as having a polished feel, leading to a refined and sleek typing experience. Their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g contributes to a satisfying resistance that allows for precise input, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile response during typing.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Dolphin linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, with the Deep Navy favoring a richer sound and a smooth typing feel, while the Durock Dolphins excel in silent operation and a polished touch. Selection between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding sound and feel; if one desires a vibrant auditory profile, the Deep Navy suffices, whereas those seeking quietness and refined typing will find satisfaction in the Durock Dolphins. Both options present quality experiences, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a switch that aligns with their needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will guide your decision. If you favor a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams and enjoy a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy will likely enhance your typing experience, especially for gaming or scenarios where a smooth, quick response matters. Its silky-smooth key travel, aided by the Ly stem and full nylon construction, is perfect for those who appreciate both speed and sound engagement. On the other hand, if you require a more robust typing experience with a firmer actuation force of 62 grams, the Durock Dolphin is an excellent choice. The Dolphins are not only silent, making them superb for quiet environments like offices, but they also deliver a polished feel that ensures a smooth and satisfying press. Their muted, low-pitched sound profile is perfect for reflecting a more subdued atmosphere while still maintaining the tactile feedback many enthusiasts crave. Ultimately, think about your specific usage scenarios, whether you prioritize sound, resistance, or a smooth key press, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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