Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Jelly can significantly impact your typing experience. The Durock Dolphins stand out with their silent operation, making them particularly suitable for office settings where noise may disturb colleagues. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying tactile experience that strikes a fine balance between precision and resistance, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switches are renowned for their lightweight design and exceptional smoothness, complemented by a low-pitched, thocky sound that many typists find gratifying. Weighing in with a mere 42g actuation force, these switches are ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience. While the Dolphins offer a more muted and polished feel well-suited for quieter environments, the Jellies deliver a more vibrant auditory experience that enthusiasts often cherish. 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 Jelly Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Jelly, it becomes evident that the two switches employ distinct top housing materials, which influence the overall sound profiles of each switch. The Dolphin's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for its ability to generate a sharper and crisper sound profile. This particular characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's sound-resonant properties, allowing it to project sound more clearly. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, as it enables vibrant light diffusion throughout the switch. In contrast, the Jelly integrates a nylon top housing, a classic material in switch design that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This difference in material usage suggests that while both switches can deliver unique sounds, they do so through distinctly different mechanisms and tonal qualities.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which results in a shared tonal characteristic for the two models. Both the Dolphin and the Jelly exhibit a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile due to this common material choice. The nylon bottom housing's softer nature helps to absorb sound, effectively creating a warm and rounded auditory experience when typing. In these cases, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, which is crucial for users seeking a comfortable and satisfying keypress experience. As both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect similar outcomes in terms of sound absorption and overall feel when pressing the keys.

In sum, the Durock Dolphin and HMX Jelly represent two different approaches to switch housing materials, with their contrasting top materials leading to varied sound profiles. However, the consistency in nylon as the bottom housing material provides a common ground for a fuller auditory experience. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top delivers a brighter sound tailored for RGB lighting, the Jelly's nylon top offers a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, users can choose between the two models depending on their preferences for key sound and aesthetics, while still enjoying a familiar and satisfying typing experience courtesy of their shared nylon bottom housing.

Weight

The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Jelly linear switch the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch that facilitates longer typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Dolphin, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial push feel, likely appealing to users who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback when typing. Given these characteristics, while both switches may serve distinct preferences, users seeking a lighter typing experience should gravitate towards the HMX Jelly, whereas those who favor a heavier effort might opt for the Durock Dolphin for its medium resistance.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.8 mm, indicating that they behave similarly in terms of key press distance. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a consistent feel and responsiveness when activating either switch. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will provide comparable results in terms of keystroke depth and feedback, making them appealing choices for those looking for a uniform typing experience. Thus, when considering these two options, users can choose either switch without worrying about differences in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out for its muted and low-pitched qualities. This makes it an ideal choice for settings where noise reduction is essential, such as offices or shared workspaces. The Dolphin’s softer, bass-heavy tone minimizes the typically sharper sounds associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the specifics of the HMX Jelly's sound remain unknown, leaving an opportunity to further explore how it compares in terms of audibility and sound profile when paired with different boards and keycaps.

In terms of tactile feel, the Durock Dolphin offers a polished experience, due to its smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. This factor is enhanced by the switch’s medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, which provides a satisfying yet precise feedback, making each keystroke feel substantial under the fingers. The Jelly switch lacks detailed descriptions related to its tactile feel, which leaves its characteristics and performance during typing somewhat ambiguous compared to the well-defined feel of the Dolphin.

In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is distinguished by its muted sound profile and polished feel, appealing particularly to those who seek a silent yet satisfying typing experience. The Jelly switch, while not detailed in its sound and feel qualities, presents an interesting alternative that may cater to different preferences. If you prioritize sound and feel, the Dolphin provides a clear advantage, whereas the Jelly's unknown aspects invite curiosity and suggest exploring other factors, such as personal preference and compatibility with various setups, for a complete evaluation.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and environment. If you work in a shared space or an office where noise levels are a concern, the Dolphin's muted sound profile and medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams will provide a satisfying and silent typing experience that won’t disturb those around you. Their polished feel adds to a refined experience, making them ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound signature, the Jelly switch is your best bet. With its lower actuation force of 48 grams, the Jelly allows for quick and effortless key presses, perfect for gaming or fast typing sessions where rapid input is essential. The factory lubrication ensures smoothness, making it a delightful choice for those who value a fluid typing experience. Thus, consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting between these two switches, as each provides distinct benefits tailored to different uses.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more