Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Hibiscus offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphins are celebrated for their silent operation, making them an exceptional choice for office settings or quieter workspaces where noise control is a priority. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they deliver a satisfying resistance that combines precision with a comfortable pressing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a bit more feedback in each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switches shine with their ultra-light actuation force, providing an effortlessly smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, their clacky, poppy sound adds an engaging auditory dimension, appealing to those who enjoy a more lively typing atmosphere. While both switches are linear, they cater to very different typing experiences, making it essential to consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios. 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
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When assessing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Hibiscus, one can draw clear distinctions, particularly in the material used for the top housing. The Dolphin employs polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, given its translucence, allowing vibrant colors to shine through. In contrast, the Hibiscus features a classic nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon, being a softer plastic, facilitates sound absorption, which results in a more muted auditory experience. Thus, the top housing materials not only differ fundamentally in architectural properties but also in the resulting sound characteristics they impart, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and brightness while nylon accentuates warmth and depth.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, highlight a point of similarity between the two models. Both the Dolphin and Hibiscus utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This parallel provides a consistent auditory experience in terms of sound profile, wherein both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound when pressed. The nylon’s softer texture is essential in moderating the bottom-out noise and feel, contributing to a pleasant typing experience. Since the bottom housing's attributes—characterized by absorption and warmth—remain consistent between both switches, users can expect a similar tactile response, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin and HMX Hibiscus differ significantly in their top housing compositions—polycarbonate for the Dolphin and nylon for the Hibiscus—the bottom housing aspect remains consistent with nylon in both cases. This combination leads to a unique yet balanced sound profile: the Dolphin’s brighter and sharper characteristics from the polycarbonate top collide with the Hibiscus’s more rounded and subdued nylon top, while both benefit from the deep and muted acoustics of their common nylon bottom. Ultimately, this interplay of materials showcases how switching components can significantly influence the overall auditory and tactile experience, providing users with an array of choices based on personal preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, distinct differences arise. The Durock Dolphin has an unknown actuation force, but it features a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a stronger push feel that might appeal to typists who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, while the Dolphin is heavier in terms of bottom out force, the Hibiscus stands out as the lighter option overall. This variance suggests that keyboard enthusiasts looking for either a robust or a softer typing experience would benefit from considering the distinct characteristics of each switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Dolphin measures 3.8 mm, while the Hibiscus is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance means that if you're looking for a more responsive keypress, the Hibiscus may appeal to gamers seeking quick action, as it allows for faster response times. However, some users might find the 3.5 mm travel too abrupt for regular typing. On the other hand, the Dolphin's 3.8 mm travel offers a more substantial feel, which can be more satisfying for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, where the Dolphin offers a longer travel distance conducive to a comfortable typing experience, while the Hibiscus focuses on faster actuation with its shorter distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 it comes to sound quality, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels with its muted and low-pitched characteristics, producing a softer, quieter experience compared to many other mechanical switches. This makes it well-suited for environments where noise control is crucial, such as offices or shared workspaces. The sound signature minimizes the typical mechanical clatter associated with keyboard usage, providing a more discreet typing experience. In contrast, while the HMX Hibiscus switch promises an incredibly smooth typing experience, specific sound details regarding its acoustic profile are not provided, leaving an aspect of curiosity regarding its audible characteristics in comparison to the Dolphin.
In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch stands out with its polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g strikes a fine balance between resistance and ease of use, allowing for precision without sacrificing satisfaction during each keystroke. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a bit of firmness in their switches. The HMX Hibiscus switch, albeit noted for its ultra-light actuation force, lacks further descriptive cues about its tactile feel, leaving users to wonder how it might compare to the Dolphin's well-defined feedback.
In summary, the Durock Dolphin and HMX Hibiscus linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Dolphin offers a quiet, polished experience suited for professional settings, the Hibiscus brings a promise of ultra-light smoothness. The unknown qualities of the Hibiscus in both sound and feel create an air of mystery, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. For those considering either switch, the Dolphin provides reliable performance with a muted sound and a substantial press, while the Hibiscus beckons with the allure of an exceptionally smooth typing experience, inviting users to explore its hidden qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you work in a shared space or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the Durock Dolphin's muted sound and medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams will provide a satisfying yet discreet feel, allowing you to type without disturbing those around you. The Dolphin’s polished switch design contributes to a silky smooth typing experience, making it suitable for both typing and gaming where precision is essential. On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys an ultra-light typing experience with a more pronounced sound, the HMX Hibiscus could be your go-to switch. With its very light 48-gram actuation force, this switch will allow for rapid key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where you want to reduce finger fatigue. Furthermore, the Hibiscus offers a clacky, poppy sound signature that can add an enjoyable auditory feedback to your keystrokes. In essence, consider the Dolphin for a balanced, quieter feel and the Hibiscus for a lighter, more engaging sound experience.
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