Durock Dolphin vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Huano Sakura each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin stands out with its silent operation, making it an excellent choice for office settings where minimizing noise is crucial. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, they provide a satisfying press that blends precision with a bit of resistance, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches are designed for those who prefer a lighter touch; their feather-light actuation facilitates effortless typing, making them perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. The Sakura's medium acoustics strike a balance that is suitable for both quiet workspaces and more casual settings. Both switches cater to distinct typing experiences, whether you prioritize noise reduction or a lighter tactile feedback. 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

Huano Sakura Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Sakura switches, we observe distinct characteristics in their top housings. The Dolphin utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound. Conversely, the Sakura's top housing is constructed from POK material, which, while it may lack the sonic brightness of polycarbonate, offers incredible smoothness and durability enhancements. POK's higher coefficient of friction makes it a slightly different playing field acoustically; while it may contribute to a less pronounced high frequency, it compensates with durability and a smooth typing experience, making it another excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts.

Despite their different top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition: nylon. Both the Dolphin and the Sakura use nylon, a classic switch material lauded for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience during typing. This shared material in the lower section of both switches means that they will both evoke similar auditory qualities when a key is bottomed out, illustrating how a softer housing can warm up and enrich the acoustic signature of a switch, independent of the top housing influence.

Moreover, the combination of different materials across the top and bottom housings shows how each can impact the overall typing experience. For the Dolphin, the clear polycarbonate top paired with the nylon bottom creates a contrast, allowing for a sound that is both resonant and full-bodied. In the case of the Sakura, the POK top marries well with the nylon bottom to provide an exceptionally smooth feel combined with that characteristic depth of sound. Upon actuation, both switches will feel and sound distinct—each contributing its unique characteristics, yet ultimately concluding in a delightful typing experience that could satisfy users seeking varying auditory feedback and tactile sensations. Thus, while the materials differ, both designs leverage their chosen compositions to yield optimal results, appealing to a wide array of user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Dolphin has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom-out force is measured at 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom-out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura easier to press and more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, catering to users who prefer less resistance. The Dolphin, being heavier in terms of bottom-out force, offers a more substantial typing experience, which might be favored by those seeking a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Dolphin is heavier, creating a clear distinction in user experience based on individual preferences for force sensitivity.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Dolphin measures 3.8 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. As such, if you're seeking a switch with a more responsive feel, the Huano Sakura may be the better option, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which is particularly favored by gamers. Conversely, the Durock Dolphin, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users might prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. Thus, the Dolphin offers a deeper engagement, while the Sakura delivers a more rapid response, catering to different preferences among users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Dolphin linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally quiet operation, making it a prime choice for users who need to maintain a low noise environment, such as in offices. Sound-wise, the Dolphin is characterized by its muted tones, which produce a softer, low-pitched sound that minimizes the typical mechanical clatter associated with other switches. This results in a more bass-heavy response that is less intrusive and perfect for focused workspaces. In contrast, while specifics for the Huano Sakura's sound profile are not provided, its medium acoustics suggest that it is relatively quieter than more clacky switches but may not match the low-pitched, muted quality of the Dolphin.

When it comes to feel, the Dolphin stands out with its polished design, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This means users can expect reduced friction and more seamless key travel, which is particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, characteristics of the feel for the Sakura switch are not delineated, leaving that aspect unknown. However, given that it's designed for a gentle experience with a feather-light touch, it hints at a more effortless press which could cater to users looking for less resistive action compared to the Dolphin's medium-heavy resistance.

In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences and typing needs. The Dolphin provides a silent, muted, and polished experience with a medium-heavy feel, ideal for focused environments. The Sakura, while less quantified in terms of sound and feel, offers a feather-light touch that may appeal to those who prioritize velocity and comfort over resistance. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, albeit tailored to distinct user preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you require a switch suited for quieter environments, such as an office or shared workspace, the Durock Dolphin is an excellent option due to its muted sound profile and polished feel. The medium actuation force of 62 grams also makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing, providing a satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions, the Huano Sakura linear switch, with its feather-light 45-gram actuation force, may be more suitable for you. While it may not be as silent as the Dolphin, the medium acoustics still allow for a pleasant typing experience without too much disruption. In summary, choose the Dolphin for a more substantial, quiet typing experience, and opt for the Sakura if you’re looking for comfort and ease during extensive use. Ultimately, both options come with unique benefits that cater to different typing styles and environments, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more