Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each offer distinct benefits that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin, recognized for its muted design and medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, is an excellent choice for users who appreciate a switch that delivers a satisfying tactile feedback while remaining quiet, making it ideal for office settings or shared workspaces. Its polished and low-pitched character ensures a substantial feel during typing, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for ultra-light typists seeking a peaceful atmosphere, with its whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of raindrops and a mere 43g bottom-out force. This switch is specifically designed for users who prefer a lighter touch and a serene typing experience. Both switches present intriguing options, but they cater to different typing styles and environments. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The Dolphin's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This makes the Dolphin particularly suited for RGB lighting setups due to its translucent nature. In comparison, the Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile because it absorbs more sound waves than its polycarbonate counterpart. Thus, while both switches may offer a unique auditory experience, the Dolphin will deliver a brighter, more resonant sound when striking the keys, whereas the Silent Sakura will offer a more muted, rounded sound, particularly noticeable during typing.
On the flip side, the bottom housing of these switches presents an interesting contrast that further diversifies their overall acoustic effects. The Dolphin employs nylon for its bottom housing, which, like its top allusion, yields a deep and full sound profile ideal for enhancing the bottom-out feel of each keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Sakura leverages polycarbonate for this component, leading to clearer and more resonant lower frequencies that enhance the bottom-out sound at a noticeable level. When pressed down, users will feel a difference: the Dolphin’s nylon bottom housing will create a muted climax of sound when typing, while the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing will resonate with a sharper, more articulate impact.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the housings of these two switches lead to varied auditory and tactile experiences. If you were to combine aspects of both, it's possible to achieve a well-rounded sound profile that balances the brighter tones of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon. However, switching between the two will highlight their innate differences. As a result, users looking for a more vibrant, RGB-friendly experience might lean towards the Durock Dolphin, while those who prefer a softer, more muted typing experience may find the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g more appealing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin's actuation force is not specified, but its bottom out force is 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura significantly lighter overall, which may appeal to those seeking a more effortless typing experience, particularly suitable for long hours of use. The Dolphin, with its unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force, suggests a more substantial feel that could be favored by users who prefer a firmer key response. Overall, the Silent Sakura provides a lighter touch, conducive for prolonged usage, while the Dolphin may cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced resistance.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Dolphin's shorter travel distance may better suit your gaming needs, as shorter travel distances often allow for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users find more satisfying, especially for typing. Therefore, if you prefer a snappier response, the Dolphin would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy deeper keystrokes, the HMX Silent Sakura would be preferable. Overall, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, they differ in their travel distances, with the Dolphin being the shorter option and the Silent Sakura the longer.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a notably muted auditory experience, characterized by a low-pitched tone that minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them an excellent choice for environments requiring discretion, such as offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch remain unknown. However, a subjective expectation based on its name suggests it would also lean toward a quiet typing experience, perhaps equally suited for silent environments.
Regarding feel, the Durock Dolphin switches exhibit a polished sensation, thanks to a smooth and refined design. This quality translates to a luxurious typing experience with reduced friction, allowing the keys to glide easily under your fingers. In comparison, the Silent Sakura - 43g's feel is not specified, leaving its tactile characteristics open to interpretation. However, the lightweight actuation force of 43g suggests it may provide a different experience, likely appealing to typists who prefer a softer touch.
In summary, the Durock Dolphin linear switches are ideal for users looking for a muted sound profile and a polished, smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force. In contrast, while the Silent Sakura - 43g may also cater to those seeking silent operation, its tactile feel remains uncertain. If you prioritize a quieter workspace and enjoy different actuation forces, both switches may suit your needs, albeit with the distinct feel and sound differences presented by the Dolphin's polished design and low-pitched sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch boils down to your personal typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a more substantial feel with a typing force of 62 grams, and you’re looking for a silent switch that still provides satisfying resistance, the Durock Dolphin is an excellent choice, especially if you work in a quieter office or shared space where noise is a concern. Its muted, low-pitched sound and polished feel enhance the typing experience while maintaining discretion. On the other hand, if you are a light typist or someone who values an ultra-quiet atmosphere, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be ideal for you, thanks to its extremely light 43-gram actuation force and whisper-quiet operation. This makes it perfect for those late-night coding sessions or when you want to type gently without disturbing anyone around you. Ultimately, consider your typing style and setting when making your decision, and you will find that each switch offers distinct advantages suited to different needs.
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