Durock Dolphin vs. HMX EVA

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and HMX EVA both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, making them standout options for enthusiasts. The Durock Dolphin, renowned for its silent operation, is an ideal choice for office environments or any setting where minimizing noise is essential. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying resistance that enhances precision during typing. Their polished, muted, and low-pitched profile makes the Dolphin a great fit for users seeking a balance of comfort and feedback. On the other hand, the HMX EVA captures attention with its striking aesthetics inspired by the iconic Evangelion Unit-01, combined with a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth feel that appeals to gamers and typists alike. While both switches are linear, the EVA’s design and sound profile create a more expressive typing experience, catering to those who enjoy a bit of flair in their setup. 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

HMX EVA Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The comparison between the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX EVA reveals both distinct differences and notable similarities that affect the overall auditory and tactile experience of using these switches. Starting with the Durock Dolphin, its top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that promotes a sharper, clearer sound profile. This material's rigidity allows for a more resonant quality, particularly beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting, given its translucency. In contrast, the HMX EVA uses nylon for its top housing, which has a softer characteristic. This choice leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound energy, presenting a rounder auditory experience. As such, while the Dolphin is engineered for clarity and brightness, the EVA emphasizes warmth and depth in its sound.

Both switches share nylon as a common material for their bottom housings, resulting in an analogous auditory experience in that component. Since nylon is known for its capacity to absorb sound, both the Dolphin and EVA will create a duller and rounder bottom-out sound when the keys are pressed, fostering a more subdued tactile feel. This similarity is crucial because the bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch; thus, users will experience comparable qualities when engaging with either switch, despite differences in their top housings.

Ultimately, the interplay between the distinct top housings and the shared bottom housings is what characterizes the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. As the top housing is responsible for the sound produced upon releasing the key, the Durock Dolphin's polycarbonate top will contribute to a sharper, more resonant sound when lifting off, while the HMX EVA's nylon top will ensure a deeper tone upon release. This duality leads to a unique auditory experience in each case, where users gravitate towards either the crisper highs of the Dolphin or the warmer lows of the EVA, ultimately allowing the switch experience to be tailored according to personal preference.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down, but its actuation force is listed as None grams, meaning the precise force required to trigger a keystroke is unspecified. In contrast, the HMX EVA switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the EVA lighter overall, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during long gaming sessions or at work. In summary, while the Dolphin provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier bottom out force, the EVA offers a lighter touch, catering to different user preferences in typing dynamics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Durock Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX EVA offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Dolphin provides a deeper keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the EVA's shorter travel distance is likely to be favored by those who prioritize quick response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. If shorter and more responsive keystrokes are your priority, the EVA could be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced and hearty depth to your keypresses, the Dolphin would be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound quality, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in producing a muted and low-pitched auditory profile, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments such as offices or shared spaces. The softened acoustics of the Dolphin allow for a typing experience that minimizes distractions from mechanical keypresses. The sound signature of the HMX EVA linear switch, however, remains unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. It’s worth noting, though, that irrespective of the sound characteristics, the acoustic output of both switches will be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, which adds an additional layer of customization.

In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch stands out with its polished finish, which contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. This quality ensures that each keypress feels fluid and comfortable, thanks to the reduced friction during key travel. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the HMX EVA, leaving its attributes undetermined. However, the Durock Dolphin’s medium-heavy actuation force of 62g provides a tangible resistance that many typists appreciate, effectively balancing feedback and precision.

In summary, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a distinct advantage in both sound and feel with its muted acoustics and polished tactile experience. While the HMX EVA linear switch presents an unknown element in sound and feel, choosing between the two can still yield satisfying results, depending on the user's preference for noise levels and key response. For those seeking a quieter operation and a tactile experience characterized by smoothness, the Dolphin is a formidable contender.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you work in a shared space or an office where noise levels are a concern, the Durock Dolphin would be a more fitting choice, given its silent operation and muted acoustics. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many typists enjoy for precision, making it great for gamers who appreciate a bit of heft in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience, the HMX EVA linear switch, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, is designed to give you a softer, virtually effortless keystroke. The EVA’s unique sound profile, inspired by the iconic Evangelion series, adds an enjoyable resonance to your typing experience, making it a fun option for those who value both aesthetics and performance. In the end, consider your typing style, the noise level you can tolerate, and whether you lean towards a heavier or lighter switch to find which switch complements your setup best.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more