Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the HMX Jammy linear switch, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it perfect for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a substantial feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy features a softer nylon housing and a glittery design, offering a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. While the Durock Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the HMX Jammy's characteristics are yet to be described. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and environments. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Jammy play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Jammy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite the difference in material, both switches aim to enhance the user's typing experience through unique sound profiles. Each material's characteristics influence the overall sound produced by the switch, catering to different preferences in terms of sound quality.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Dolphin and the Jammy utilize nylon as the material of choice. Nylon's properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still offer slightly different typing experiences due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight. However, the similar material choice suggests that both switches prioritize a consistent sound profile across the entire switch.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the top and bottom housings complement each other. The characteristics of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. The difference in material choice between the top and bottom housings of the Dolphin and the Jammy further highlights the attention to detail in crafting a unique typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or nylon, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through the sound profiles generated by their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Jammy linear switches differ slightly. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Dolphin at 62 grams and the Jammy at 63 grams. In terms of weight, the Dolphin is lighter due to its lack of actuation force, making it ideal for those looking for a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Jammy provides a slightly heavier touch with its actuation force, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, while the actuation forces differ, both switches offer a similar medium bottom out force for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the HMX Jammy linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as the difference is minimal. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference regarding the feel of the key press - with the Dolphin offering slightly more depth compared to the Jammy. However, for those looking for a similar overall experience, either switch would provide a similar level of performance.
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 Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy 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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch is praised for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, which is ideal for situations where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch has an unknown sound profile, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Jammy switch's feel is also unknown, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard. Overall, based on the available information, if you prefer a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and polished feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a glittery nylon housing and a typing experience that is described as deeply satisfying, the HMX Jammy linear switch may also be worth considering for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you're looking for a silent switch that's great for office settings or anywhere noise levels are a concern, the Dolphin with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more satisfying typing experience with a glittery nylon housing, the Jammy with its slightly lighter 63g bottom out force may be more up your alley. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your workspace.
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