Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and HMX Lotus (Heavy) each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Durock Dolphins stand out for their silent operation, making them an ideal choice for workplace environments where noise levels need to be kept in check; their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g provides a satisfying press that combines precision with a pleasantly weighed feel. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a slightly heavier actuation force of 62.5g and is known for its bright, resonant sound, delivering an engaging and bouncy typing experience that can invigorate daily use. While the Dolphins prioritize muted performance for those seeking subtlety, the Lotus switches celebrate auditory feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) exhibit distinct characteristics in their switch housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate crisp auditory feedback during typing. The polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being softer, nylon absorbs more sound, producing a duller and more rounded auditory experience, which caters to users who prefer a warmer sound signature.
Both the Durock Dolphin and HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to consistent results in terms of sound characteristics. The nylon material, recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities, creates a deeper and fuller acoustic effect for both switches. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom housing's influence contributes to a noticeable sound dampening effect when typing. For users, this results in an emphasized bottom-out sound that feels substantial across both switches, making the typing experience satisfying.
In summary, while the Durock Dolphin and HMX Lotus (Heavy) differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Dolphin and nylon for the Lotus—both switches share a nylon bottom housing that confers a deep and rounded sound profile. This harmony in the bottom housing helps to mitigate some of the auditory differences presented by the top housings, allowing for a balanced typing experience overall. Users can expect a blend of sharpness from the Dolphin and warmth from the Lotus (Heavy), showcasing how varying materials can combine to produce unique yet complementary sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences and similarities. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams, along with a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that while both switches exhibit a similar bottom out force, the actuation force of the Lotus is known and is lighter than the unspecified force of the Dolphin. This difference in actuation force may lead to different typing experiences; those who prefer a lighter switch could find the Lotus more suitable for prolonged use without fatigue. Conversely, if the actuation force of the Dolphin were known and found to be similar, typists could expect comparable results in their experience despite the heavier bottom out force of the Lotus. Ultimately, the Lotus switch offers a lighter actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while both switches have a close bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Dolphin offers a more generous travel distance, providing users with a deeper feel that some may prefer for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) can offer quicker response times, making it potentially appealing for gamers who favor speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding tactile feedback and desired typing or gaming experience, with the Dolphin being the longer option and the Lotus (Heavy) providing a more abbreviated travel 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 Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 switches are notably silent, producing a muted sound profile that is ideal for environments where maintaining a low noise level is essential. Their low-pitched tone further enhances this quality, offering a bass-heavy and mellow sound that minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, while not characterized in terms of sound here, is described as having a bright and resonant sound. Thus, the sound experience between the two switches diverges significantly; the Dolphins offer a more discreet experience, while the Lotus switches are likely to provide a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, Durock Dolphins stand out with a polished finish that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished quality reduces friction, allowing for smooth key travel and a satisfying press with their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches also feature a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, described as super bouncy, which indicates a lively and responsive feel with each keystroke. While both switches share a similar actuation force, the experience differs; the Dolphins provide a refined, smooth action, while the Lotus switches deliver a more exuberant tactile response.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphins and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Dolphins emphasize a quiet and refined typing experience, making them suitable for shared workspaces, while the Lotus offers a more resonant sound with a lively typing feel. If you're looking for a calm and polished experience, the Dolphins are your best bet, but if you prefer a more dynamic auditory and tactile feedback, the Lotus switches will deliver that excitement. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound discretion or a more engaging keystroke experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch have their unique strengths that cater to different preferences and environments. If you find yourself in a workspace where noise levels need to be managed, the Durock Dolphin is the clear choice due to its silent, muted operation and low-pitched sound profile. This makes it ideal for office settings or shared workspaces, where the subtle tactile feedback combined with its polished feel ensures a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that embodies a lively, responsive character, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) should be your go-to option. With its slightly higher bottom-out force and bright, resonant sound, it provides an engaging tactile sensation that many find exhilarating. This switch may be particularly appealing for gaming or at-home setups where audible feedback enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs for sound profile, tactile feedback, and intended usage environment, making either of these switches a worthy addition to your mechanical keyboard collection.
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