Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Macchiato

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Macchiato offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Durock Dolphin is celebrated for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise reduction is a priority. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a satisfying balance between resistance and precision, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, provides a delightfully silky smooth typing experience coupled with a brighter sound profile that appeals to those seeking an engaging auditory feedback. While the Dolphin excels in environments demanding discretion, the Macchiato shines in spaces where sound enhances the typing experience. 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 Macchiato Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and the HMX Macchiato showcase distinct approaches to switch housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile response. The Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material renowned for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality creates a clear and resonant audio experience, particularly beneficial when combined with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. Conversely, the HMX Macchiato features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder auditory experience. This stark contrast in top housing materials leads to markedly different acoustic properties when typing.

Both switches, however, share a similarity in their bottom housing, which is crafted from nylon in both the Dolphin and the Macchiato. This commonality ensures that the tactile experience and sound profile produced when pressing down on the keys will exhibit a consistent fullness and depth, whether one is using the Dolphin or the Macchiato. As nylon is a softer plastic, both switches will deliver that signature deep and full sound when bottoming out, reinforcing a satisfying typing experience. The shared nylon bottom housing allows for a similar resonance and feel when engaged, even as the top housings project contrasting sonic profiles.

When considering the overall performance of each switch, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials is crucial. The qualities of the bottom housing will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the auditory feedback as the key is released. In this way, despite the differing materials of the top housings—which distinctly alter their sound profiles—the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a balanced typing experience with depth and character. Users can expect a satisfying sound and tactile experience with both switches, albeit shaped by the unique characteristics provided by their respective top housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force but does feature a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Macchiato has a defined actuation force of 42 grams, which is on the lighter side, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, also considered light. This means that the Macchiato switch provides a lighter overall typing experience, ideal for long sessions, while the Dolphin may offer a more substantial feel at bottoming out despite its unknown actuation force. Consequently, typists who prefer lighter switches might gravitate towards the Macchiato due to its lower actuation force and bottom out, whereas those who appreciate a heavier typing experience may find the Dolphin more suitable, albeit with an incomplete understanding of its actuation feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option and ideal for those who favor responsiveness and quick actuation, such as gamers. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato has a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a slightly deeper feel that some users may appreciate for a more hearty typing experience. The slight difference in travel distance means that while both switches can deliver satisfying performance, the Dolphin's shorter travel distance may appeal more to those seeking speed, whereas the Macchiato offers a more traditional depth for a fuller tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin switches are notably muted, producing a softer and quieter profile that minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise. This is especially advantageous in environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared workspaces. The low-pitched tone of the Dolphin adds a bass-heavy, mellow quality to the typing experience, making it conducive for stealthy tapping without being intrusive. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato switches do not have specific sound descriptors available, leaving their acoustic characteristics undetermined. However, the sound profile consideration must include that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap materials, so users might still enjoy a unique acoustic experience with the Macchiato.

In terms of feel, the Dolphin switches stand out with a polished sensation that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. This sleekness is typically a result of either the materials used or factory lubrication, leading to reduced friction and a seamless key travel that many typists appreciate. The actuation force of 62g also provides a medium-heavy resistance, which strikes a balance between precision and satisfaction upon pressing. In contrast, there is no specific information available on the feel of the HMX Macchiato switches, which leaves the tactile feedback and overall experience unknown for those particular switches.

In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin linear switches dominate with their muted sound profile and polished feel, the HMX Macchiato's corresponding qualities remain a mystery, notably in sound and tactile feedback. Despite this uncertainty, the Dolphin provides a compelling option for those seeking a quiet, yet satisfying typing experience, while the Macchiato may offer an alternative experience that could appeal to those who value smoothness and brightness. Ultimately, selecting between these two will largely depend on one’s specific preferences in sound and feel, and while the Dolphin offers clarity in those respects, the Macchiato invites curiosity without detailed exploration of its characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Macchiato linear switches, it’s important to consider your typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you often work in a shared space or require a quieter operation, the Durock Dolphin’s muted sound and low-pitched profile make it an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, this switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback while maintaining a polished and refined feel, which is perfect for those who enjoy a little resistance in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience and prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Macchiato is the ideal option with its 50-gram bottom out force. Although not extensively detailed in terms of sound, its design focuses on a bright sound profile that can be more suitable for personal use or environments where noise isn’t a concern. Ultimately, your decision should align with the type of environment you work in, how much resistance you desire in a switch, and what sound characteristics appeal to you. That way, you can confidently select the switch that best complements your typing style and workflow.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more