Durock Dolphin vs. Huano Elf

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Elf present two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin, a silent linear switch, is designed for those who work in shared spaces, as its muted acoustics ensure a discreet typing experience. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying resistance that balances precision and comfort, making it ideal for users who appreciate a bit of heft in their strokes. Conversely, the Huano Elf stands out with its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to deliver a deep, resonant sound signature while maintaining a medium-light feel. This switch is geared more towards gamers and typists who enjoy a lively auditory response without sacrificing smoothness in keystrokes. Both switches have their merits depending on your specific needs—whether you prioritize silence and a solid touch or an engaging sound profile with a lighter press. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

Huano Elf Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Elf, notable differences arise in their top housing designs, particularly regarding the materials used. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and sonic transparency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity of each keystroke. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, as it allows for vibrant illumination that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Elf utilizes a POK top housing, a material recognized for its low friction and extraordinary durability. While the POK material provides smooth keystrokes, it does not offer the same clarity or brightness when sounds are produced, which may lead to a more subdued acoustic profile compared to the Dolphin.

However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing used in both the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Elf contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic experience. As a classic choice for keyboard switches, nylon's qualities ensure that both the Dolphin and Elf will provide a satisfying typing feel, characterized by a soft bottom-out sound. This shared material in the bottom housing allows users to expect a consistent tactile feedback and sound absorption regardless of the differences in their top housings.

These differing top housing materials ultimately lead to unique sound profiles that can cater to varying user preferences. For the Dolphin, the combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom creates a bright, resonant sound upon key release, while the Elf offers a balance of smoothness and durability with its POK top housing complemented by the same nylon bottom. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the contrasting materials for the top housing distinctly influence the acoustic characteristics, resulting in different experiences when typing. Users seeking a brighter, more vibrant key response may lean towards the Dolphin, while those desiring smoothness and increased durability might gravitate towards the Elf.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin's actuation force is unspecified, which means we cannot draw any conclusions about how it feels to initiate a keystroke compared to the Elf, which has a defined actuation force of 42 grams. In terms of the bottom out force, the Dolphin has a measured value of 62 grams, while the Elf's bottom out force is not available. In this case, the Dolphin is heavier than the Elf based on the bottom out force alone, suggesting that it might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger feel. If you value a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, the Elf's actuation force might be more appealing, though it is important to note the Dolphin's lack of an actuation measurement means that typing experience could vary significantly. Overall, the Durock Dolphin appears to be on the heavier side, while the Huano Elf offers a lighter option in terms of actuation force.

Travel distance

The Durock Dolphin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Elf linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may be a crucial factor for users when selecting a switch based on their preferences for key feedback and responsiveness. With the Dolphin offering a more substantial travel depth, it may be better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Elf’s shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, those who prefer a more substantial depth may gravitate towards the Durock Dolphin, whereas those who favor a snappier feel might opt for the Huano Elf.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched qualities. This means users can expect a softer and quieter typing experience, which is particularly beneficial in quiet environments like offices where the noise level is a concern. The subdued sound profile minimizes the typical clacky noises associated with mechanical keyboards and provides a more bass-heavy tone that many users find agreeable. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Huano Elf linear switch are not well-defined, leaving uncertainty around how it compares in acoustic performance. Without specific details, one cannot draw direct parallels between the two in terms of sound.

In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin stands out due to its polished design, which leads to a highly smooth typing experience. The use of quality materials and the potential for factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and a refined key travel that many typists appreciate. The Dolphin's medium-heavy actuation force of 62g adds to its substantial feel, striking a balance between resistance and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a medium-light feel, but specific descriptors regarding its tactile feedback or any unique smoothness are lacking. Thus, while both switches present different actuation forces, a clear comparison of their tactile qualities remains unclear.

In summary, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in sound dampening and provides a polished feel, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize quiet environments and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, while the Huano Elf linear switch's medium-light feel may still offer a satisfying experience, the lack of specific sound and tactile characteristics makes it challenging to assess. Ultimately, while both switches could cater to different preferences, the Dolphin undeniably provides a more defined auditory and tactile experience, suitable for users who seek refinement and muted operation while typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences for a typing experience. If you work in a shared environment or simply prefer a quieter operation, the silent and muted characteristics of the Dolphin make it an ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams strikes a balance between a satisfying press and precision, making it suitable for those who appreciate a tactile touch during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a unique acoustic profile and a lighter feel, the Huano Elf might be more appealing. Featuring a POK top housing that enhances sound quality, the Elf provides a deeper tonal signature that could elevate your typing experience. While the Dolphin excels in its smooth and polished feel, the Elf focuses more on delivering a lighter and more musical interaction. Therefore, consider your environment, typing style, and sound preference before making your final decision on which switch to incorporate into your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more