Durock Dolphin vs. HMX FJ400

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Durock Dolphin switches, renowned for their silent operation, are ideal for office environments or any workspace where noise reduction is paramount. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a satisfying, well-balanced press that appeals to users who appreciate a little extra resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 switch serves as a versatile option within the HMX Film switch lineup, offering a balanced sound profile that caters to those seeking a more traditional typing experience without sacrificing performance. While the Dolphin excels in muted, polished interactions, the FJ400 strikes a harmonious balance that may appeal to a broader audience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

HMX FJ400 Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and HMX FJ400 switches each feature distinct materials for their top housings, influencing the acoustic profiles of the switches. The Dolphin boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for greater resonance and clarity in the sound produced when the key is pressed and released. In contrast, the FJ400 utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which delivers a different auditory experience. POM housings are characterized by a deeper and more muted sound, resulting in an acoustic profile that is uniquely satisfying, albeit not as bright as that of the Dolphin. Consequently, while both switches will produce pleasing sounds, the variability in the top housing material means that users will experience different sonic qualities depending on which switch they choose.

The bottom housings of both the Dolphin and the FJ400 utilize nylon, a well-regarded material in switch design. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition, leading to a rounder and fuller auditory experience. This shared material significantly influences the overall sound profile of the switches, as the bottom housing is responsible for the key's bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, both switches will evoke similar deeper and fuller sounds when bottomed out, reflecting the common use of nylon. The alignment of bottom housing materials suggests that both switches will cater to users who prefer a balanced auditory feedback, with an emphasis on warmth and depth in their typing experience.

While the differences in top housing materials set the two switches apart in their acoustic profiles, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures that both the Durock Dolphin and the HMX FJ400 deliver some overlapping characteristics. The Dolphin excels in producing sharp and clear sounds due to its polycarbonate top, whereas the FJ400 favors a more subdued and deep tonal quality with its POM top. Nevertheless, both benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which allows users to enjoy a pleasant depth and richness in sound when the keys are engaged. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, enthusiasts can anticipate a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different auditory nuances triggered by their distinctive top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force, making it difficult to compare directly with the FJ400's actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dolphin is rated at 62 grams, while the FJ400 has a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that, although the Dolphin's bottom out force is heavier, the FJ400's actuation force is lighter, providing a potentially easier keystroke experience. As a result, users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the FJ400, while those looking for a more substantial feel might prefer the Dolphin. Overall, the FJ400 is the lighter option when considering actuation force, whereas the Dolphin is heavier in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning users can expect a consistent experience when pressing down on either switch. This equal distance allows for similar tactile feedback and key feel, making both switches ideal for those who prioritize uniformity in their typing experience. As a result, switching between these two options will not lead to any significant differences in terms of travel distance; users can enjoy comparable results with either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched quality, making it an ideal option for environments where noise is a concern. The muted nature of the Dolphin switches minimizes the acoustic impact typically associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a softer typing experience that’s pleasing to the ear. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 linear switch's sound profile is described as balanced, though further specifics on its acoustic qualities are not provided. Given that the sound produced by a switch can significantly depend on other variables such as the keyboard build and keycap materials, one can expect that using both switches on suitable boards may yield a somewhat comparable auditory experience, especially if aiming for an unobtrusive performance in shared spaces.

When considering their tactile feel, the Durock Dolphin switches present a polished experience, indicating that they provide smooth key travel and reduced friction, likely due to quality materials and potentially factory lubing. This polished finish facilitates a seamless typing experience, making them particularly enjoyable for long typing sessions. The feel of the FJ400 switch, however, is not explicitly detailed, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it might compare in terms of smoothness and overall typing satisfaction. If the FJ400 offers a similarly refined feel to the Dolphin or is designed to complement a particular typing style, users might still find satisfaction, albeit without explicit details for direct comparison.

In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin linear switches shine with their muted sound and polished feel, the HMX FJ400 switch holds a reputation for a balanced sound profile but lacks additional details on its tactile response. The Dolphins are particularly suited for environments where quiet operation is essential, while the FJ400 may appeal to those seeking a versatile switch without the same emphasis on silence. For newcomers, if the qualities are similar enough, both switches could lead to a satisfying typing experience, depending on personal preferences and specific usage scenarios.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the HMX FJ400 linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and typing environment. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, such as in an office setting or shared workspace, the Dolphin's muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams provides a pleasing resistance that can enhance your typing precision while minimizing disturbances. On the other hand, if you want a balance in switches and a versatile sound profile, the FJ400 may suit you better. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams, it offers a more gentle typing experience that can appeal to typists who prefer a softer feel without compromising on performance. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal typing preferences to make the best choice between these two noteworthy switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more