Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and HMX Lucky both offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin is renowned for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office spaces or any setting where minimizing noise is essential. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a pronounced tactile feedback that appeals to users who appreciate a bit of resistance while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches stand out with their lighter actuation force and glittery nylon housings, resulting in a typing experience that feels both neutral and gratifying. While the Dolphins cater to those who prefer a more muted and polished feel, the Lucky switches attract users who enjoy a softer, more whimsical aesthetic. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and HMX Lucky switches, we see a clear distinction between the top housings, but notable similarities in the bottom housings. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This can be particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, results in a deeper and rounder sound profile. Thus, while the Dolphin's polycarbonate top excels in clarity and brightness, the Lucky’s nylon top creates a more muted sound, which some may prefer for a more subdued typing experience.

Interestingly, both switches incorporate the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This shared characteristic means that when users bottom out the switches, they will experience similar sound and feel traits. The nylon plastic's inherent softness plays a key role here, absorbing sound and ensuring a fuller, rounder auditory experience. Hence, despite the differences in the top housings, the use of nylon in the lower portions of both switches harmonizes their overall acoustic profiles during the actuation of keys. This creates an environment where users will receive a consistently deep sound, regardless of which switch they are utilizing.

In summary, the differences in the Dolphin and Lucky switches’ top housings contribute distinctly to the sound profile—the Dolphin enhancing clarity with its polycarbonate, and the Lucky providing a richer tone with nylon. However, the resemblance in the bottom housing material ensures that, at the point of bottoming out, the core auditory characteristics converge, offering a similarly satisfying feedback. Ultimately, users can expect a well-rounded experience from both switches, benefiting from the nylon's sound-dampening qualities while also recognizing the unique nuances introduced by the differing top materials.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, a notable difference emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin does not have an actuation force specified, but its bottom out force is 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Lucky features a lighter actuation force at 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Lucky switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer longer typing sessions or lighter keyboards for gaming. On the other hand, the Dolphin's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a firmer feel when bottoming out. In summary, the Lucky is the lighter option with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Dolphin offers a heavier feel with its medium bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel and response during typing or gaming. As a result, those who prefer the tactile sensation of a linear switch can expect a uniform performance from both the Dolphin and the Lucky, allowing for a seamless transition between the two if desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switches are designed to be notably muted, offering a subdued and low-pitched tone that resonates with a bass-heavy character. This quality makes them particularly suitable for environments where noise control is crucial, such as offices or shared workspaces. In contrast, there is no specific sound profile information available for the HMX Lucky linear switches. However, without the detailed assessment, one can infer that if the Lucky switches lean towards a quieter design, they may also provide a similar subdued experience, albeit this cannot be confirmed without more data.

Regarding the feel, the Dolphin switches stand out with their polished design. This results in a smooth and refined typing experience due to the materials used and potentially factory lubrication, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek key travel. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g lends a tactile presence that enhances the overall typing satisfaction. The HMX Lucky linear switches, while noted for their softer and glittery nylon housings, do not have comprehensive details regarding their feel. However, given their lightweight nature, they likely offer a distinct typing experience that contrasts with the Dolphin's heavier feel, promoting a more gentle keypress while still aiming for satisfaction during use.

In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin and HMX Lucky linear switches exhibit different sound characteristics and tactile experiences. The Dolphin guarantees a quiet operation and a polished typing feel, perfect for those who appreciate a bit more resistance. Meanwhile, while the Lucky's specific qualities remain unknown, its designation as a lightweight switch hints at a more effortless typing experience. Depending on individual preference for sound and feel, the choice between these switches will cater to different typing styles, ensuring that both options can lead to satisfying results within their respective parameters.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, consider the specific typing experience you desire and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, the Durock Dolphin is a solid choice, particularly in quieter workspaces where the muted, low-pitched sound can enhance your comfort while remaining discreet. The Dolphin’s polished finish ensures a smooth typing experience that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter touch with a gentler 43-gram bottom-out force, the HMX Lucky switch might be more suitable; it provides a neutral and satisfying feel ideal for both typing and gaming without requiring much force. If visual appeal matters to you, you may also be drawn to the distinctive glittery housings of the Lucky. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile preferences but also your typing habits and the acoustic environment you’ll be in.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more