Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Lotus, both linear switches. The Durock Dolphins are ideal for those working in quiet environments, thanks to their silent operation. With a heavier actuation force of 62g, they offer a precise and satisfying typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches feature a lighter 50g bottom out weight and produce a bright, resonant sound, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific use case 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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 Durock Dolphin and the HMX Lotus both feature polycarbonate top housings, but the Dolphin's bottom housing is made of nylon while the Lotus also features a nylon bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound because of its softer nature. The Dolphin's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials may result in a switch that has a clear, resonant sound profile with a mix of sharpness and depth. On the other hand, the Lotus's consistent use of nylon housing materials throughout may create a more rounded and consistent sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dolphin allows for translucency which is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. The nylon top housing of the Lotus, while not translucent, still provides a classic look. Both switches benefit from the unique sound qualities of their respective housing materials, with the Dolphin offering a sharper and crisper sound profile while the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles, making them attractive options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Lotus will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While the Dolphin may offer a mix of sharpness and depth with its polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, the Lotus provides a more consistent and rounded sound experience with its all-nylon construction. Both switches demonstrate how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, catering to a variety of preferences among users seeking a unique typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, we see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Lotus switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Dolphin switch is not specified, whereas the Lotus switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Lotus switch lighter overall in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Dolphin switch. The Dolphin switch offers a more medium typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. On the other hand, the Lotus switch provides a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Dolphin provides a slightly deeper key press compared to the Lotus, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched experience, resulting in a softer and quieter typing sound compared to the HMX Lotus. The Lotus switch, on the other hand, does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, there is no specific description available for the feel of the HMX Lotus switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is a great option for those looking for a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight and a bright, resonant sound. While the sound and feel of these two switches may differ based on the provided information, it is important to consider personal preference and the overall keyboard setup when choosing between the Durock Dolphin and HMX Lotus switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is recommended to try out both to determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially for an office setting, the Dolphin with its muted sound and medium-heavy actuation force of 62g may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound, the Lotus with its 50g bottom out force could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and work environment.
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