Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Perky both represent unique choices within the realm of linear switches, catering to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin is renowned for its silent operation, making it an ideal option for office settings or quieter workspaces where noise can be a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying feel with a touch of resistance, ensuring precision with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Perky, crafted with softer and glittery nylon housings, offers a distinctly smooth and neutral typing experience, enhanced by a shorter travel distance that allows for swift and effortless key presses. While the Dolphin excels in promoting a muted atmosphere without compromising quality, the Perky stands out for those who prioritize a compact and quicker response in their typing experience. 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 Perky Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and HMX Perky switches present an intriguing contrast in their upper housing components, which significantly affects the acoustic profile of each switch. The Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize clarity, especially when utilizing RGB lighting, as polycarbonate is translucent and allows light to shine through effectively. On the other hand, the Perky employs a nylon top housing, which is generally softer and absorption-prone. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a warmer listening experience that may appeal to users seeking a more mellow typing sensation. The contrasting properties of these two materials highlight distinct preferences in sound qualities among users.

In contrast to their top housings, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. This uniformity in material for the lower section brings an interesting aspect to the overall acoustic experience. Given that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, both the Dolphin and Perky will deliver the same deeper and more rounded sound profile when the switch bottoms out. This shared characteristic ensures that regardless of the difference in their top housings, the Parry and Dolphin switches will produce similar acoustic qualities during the actuation phase. Essentially, the nylon bottom housing helps cushion the sound profile and provides a consistent tactile feedback experience, making both switches equivalent when it comes to this aspect.

Ultimately, the interplay between the materials used in the Durock Dolphin and HMX Perky highlights how the top and bottom housing materials can work together to create distinct sound profiles. While the Dolphin's use of polycarbonate yields a higher-pitched and more resonant sound that pairs nicely with RGB effects, the Perky's nylon top creates a contrast with its warmer, fuller sound. However, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, allowing them to maintain consistency in feel and response. Users can expect deeper sound absorption when bottoming out, regardless of the top housing material chosen. This illustrates a thoughtful design approach that accommodates varying typing preferences while delivering a quality typing experience across both options.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Dolphin switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, which classifies it as medium and provides a more substantial push feel during typing. In contrast, the Perky switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer sessions without fatigue. As a result, the Dolphin is the heavier option, while the Perky is the lighter switch. Users looking for a more tactile and heavier switch may gravitate towards the Dolphin, while those seeking ease of use and comfort during extended typing or gaming will likely prefer the Perky.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin and HMX Perky linear switches, we find a notable difference: the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Perky measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Dolphin offers a slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a deeper and more tactile feel when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Perky, with its shorter 3.4 mm distance, may cater more to those who prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation, often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may hinge on your personal preference for either a more traditional depth or a quick, snappier touch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Dolphin linear switches are notably silent, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is paramount. They produce a muted sound profile that is low-pitched, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can contribute to a more serene typing experience. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in office settings where excessive noise might be disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches lack specific sound descriptors, which indicates their sound profile is either not well-defined or less emphasized compared to the Dolphins. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the sound of any switch can be influenced by other factors, including the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switches shine with a polished finish that provides a smooth and refined typing experience. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g offers a balanced resistance that many typists find satisfying and precise, ensuring that each keystroke feels deliberate. The Perky switches, while described as having a deeply satisfying experience, do not provide specific descriptors about their tactile or polished feel. This lack of information makes it challenging to compare their tactile feedback directly with the Dolphin switches. Nonetheless, both switches may provide enjoyable typing experiences depending on personal preferences, with the Dolphin presenting a more concrete touch sensation.

In summary, while the Durock Dolphin switches stand out for their silent operation and polished feel with a substantial actuation force, the HMX Perky switches offer a more ambiguous yet potentially satisfying experience without clear descriptors to define sound or tactile qualities. For those prioritizing noise reduction and a smooth key press, the Dolphins are a solid choice. However, if you're open to exploring a different linear feel, the Perky switches might still deliver a gratifying typing experience, albeit with less predictability in their overall qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Perky linear switches have unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences and environments. If you find yourself in a quieter workspace or often collaborate in open office settings, the Durock Dolphins would be an ideal choice due to their muted sound profile and medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams. This combination not only minimizes noise but also provides a satisfying tactile feedback that's perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a quicker response, the HMX Perky switches, with their 50 grams of actuation force, are likely to appeal to you. The shorter travel distance and softer feel create a more condensed and efficient typing experience, making them beneficial for fast typists or gaming enthusiasts looking for rapid key presses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silent yet solid switch with the Dolphins or a lightweight, swift switch with the Perkys, and this decision should align with your specific needs and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more