Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and HMX Poro stand out as intriguing options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin is celebrated for its silent operation, making it a superb choice for office settings or any environment where noise is a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it delivers a balanced tactile experience, providing enough resistance to offer a sense of precision with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Poro features an ultra-light actuation force that promises silky smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and effortless gliding. While the Poro offers a poppy and clacky sound profile that adds an element of auditory feedback, the Dolphin’s muted and polished characteristics make it perfect for quieter spaces. 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and HMX Poro switches, notable differences arise, particularly in the top housing. The Durock Dolphin utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This higher-pitched acoustic quality is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which enhances clarity and resonation. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects and visually appealing aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for yielding a deeper and richer sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less defined acoustic experience, making it inherently less suitable for sharp sound effects as compared to polycarbonate.
Conversely, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material; both the Durock Dolphin and HMX Poro utilize nylon for this component. As a classic choice in switch design, nylon imparts a fuller and deeper sound profile to both switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the use of nylon in both models ensures that users experience a consistent and soft tactile feedback during typing. This uniformity in bottom housing material allows for a cohesive auditory experience, grounded in the plush and muffled acoustics that nylon delivers.
In summary, while the Durock Dolphin and HMX Poro switches diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Dolphin and nylon for the Poro—their shared nylon bottom housing creates some degree of uniformity in sound delivery during key presses. The contrasting properties of the top housings influence the auditory characteristics during release, enhancing the distinction in typing experience. Thus, users can expect a varied auditory feedback depending on which switch they choose, but with both providing complementary acoustic qualities due to their shared nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Dolphin’s actuation force is unspecified, while it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter actuation force makes the Poro more suitable for those who prefer a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. Conversely, the Dolphin, with its heavier bottom out force, likely offers a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a stronger pushback when typing. Thus, while the Dolphin may appeal to those seeking a more robust typing experience, the Poro caters to individuals who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Poro measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This makes the Durock Dolphin the switch with the longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced tactile experience that some users may prefer for its depth. In contrast, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or users who favor quicker response times and rapid keystrokes. Both switches embrace the trend toward shorter travel distances seen in modern designs, but the Dolphin provides that extra millimeter for those who enjoy a little more heft in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference for depth versus speed.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 characterized by their muted and low-pitched sound profile, making them an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience. The design of these switches helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, which is particularly beneficial in office environments or shared workspaces. In contrast, while specific sound characteristics of the HMX Poro linear switches are not detailed, they are noted for their ultra-light actuation force and smooth keystrokes. The absence of specific descriptors implies that their sound may be less defined when compared to the muted Dolphin switches, leaving their acoustic qualities open to interpretation but potentially clackier or more pronounced depending on usage.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Durock Dolphins provide a polished experience that underscores their smooth, refined finish. This contributes to a typing experience that balances precision with satisfaction, thanks to their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, which adds a substantial tactile response for users. The HMX Poro switches are praised for their silky smooth keystrokes, signifying a seamless and effortless typing experience. Although the specific feel descriptors for the Poro are not provided, their meticulous lubrication suggests a high level of smoothness similar to the Dolphins, likely resulting in an enjoyable typing experience with a different actuation force, potentially making them lighter in feel.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin and HMX Poro linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphins excel in providing a quiet, substantial typing experience perfect for noise-sensitive environments, while the Poros offer a smooth glide that invites speed and finesse. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding sound levels and tactile feedback, but both switches promise to deliver enjoyable and efficient typing experiences tailored to varying user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Dolphin linear switches and HMX Poro linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you prefer a balance of resistance and smoothness, the Durock Dolphins, with their medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, provide a satisfying tactile experience without generating excessive noise, making them an ideal option for office settings or shared spaces. Their polished feel enhances your typing experience, allowing for precision and control during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter touch and a more dynamic, poppy sound profile, the HMX Poros could be your go-to choice. With a lower actuation force of just 50 grams, they allow for effortless keystrokes that are perfect for quick typists or gamers who require rapid actions. The Poro switches emphasize a smooth glide, though they may have a more audible acoustic profile. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the setting in which you plan to use your keyboard, ensuring you enjoy every keystroke to its fullest.
Mentioned in this article
