Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Durock Dolphins feature a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a satisfying resistance that enhances precision and makes them particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more robust tactile feedback. Their silent operation makes them well-suited for office settings or any environment where noise reduction is paramount. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switches boast a lighter activation force of 53g, designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience that mimics the soothing sound of raindrops. This makes them ideal for typists who enjoy a softer keystroke without sacrificing satisfaction. Both switches excel in creating a peaceful workspace, but they cater to differing preferences in actuation force and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will suit your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, it becomes evident that they each utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct acoustic and tactile properties. The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switch. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer properties that absorb sound more than rigid materials like polycarbonate.

When we look at the bottom housings, the composition shifts again, with the Durock Dolphin utilizing a nylon bottom housing. This provides a warm and muted acoustic profile, which creates a compelling contrast with the sharper sound generated by its polycarbonate top. The Silent Sakura - 53g, however, opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, imparting a resonance that complements the softer nylon top. As a result, while the Dolphin's bottom housing nurtures a rounded sound, the Sakura’s bottom housing contributes to a greater clarity, making the sound sharper and more articulated on bottom-out.

Ultimately, despite these contrasts, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that can yield similar typing experiences. The overall acoustics will be influenced by the interplay of the top and bottom housings: each switch's bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound produced upon bottoming out, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. By mixing nylon with polycarbonate in different sections, both switches generate a dynamic and versatile typing experience that appeals to different preferences—should one desire the warmth of nylon or the precision of polycarbonate, each switch provides a substantial, enjoyable outcome.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a 45-gram actuation force and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that the Dolphin switch requires a heavier push to register a keystroke, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the Silent Sakura’s lighter actuation force could be more ergonomic for extended typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the Durock Dolphin switch is heavier, providing a firmer experience, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura is lighter and may be better for users looking for comfort over long use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Durock Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g measures 4 mm. This makes the Dolphin the shorter option, with its travel distance falling just slightly below the more traditional 4 mm, which can be advantageous for those seeking a quicker response in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel allows for a more traditional keystroke experience, appealing to users who prefer a fuller depth when typing. Thus, if you favor a snappier feel, the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura caters to those who enjoy a more robust keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound quality, the Durock Dolphin linear switches are notable for their muted characteristics, producing a low-pitched sound that is soft and gentle compared to traditional mechanical switches. This quality makes them particularly suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern, such as offices or shared workspaces. The Dolphins effectively minimize the typical clack associated with mechanical switches, allowing for a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is currently unknown; therefore, it's difficult to make a direct comparison regarding the auditory qualities. However, since both switches are designed to be silent, it's likely they would produce relatively quiet sounds, albeit with different tonal nuances depending on the particular design elements.

In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switches boast a polished finish that enhances the overall typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through high-quality materials and possibly factory lubrication, ensuring reduced friction and a satisfying level of key travel with each press. The 62g actuation force provides a noticeable resistance, appealing to users who prefer a heftier feel while typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches are characterized by a lighter bottom-out force of 53g, catering to typists who favor a more effortless keystroke. While the specifics of the Silent Sakura's tactile feedback are not provided, their design likely emphasizes smoothness and a comfortable typing experience as well.

In conclusion, while both the Durock Dolphin and HMX Silent Sakura switches share a focus on quiet operation, their distinct actuation forces set them apart, catering to different user preferences. The Durock Dolphins present a muted and low-pitched sound profile with a polished feel, ideal for those who appreciate a heavier switch, while the Silent Sakura switches potentially offer a lighter touch for effortless typing. Each switch has unique qualities that would appeal to different typists, and if silencing features are desired, either would suit a quieter environment, provided the unknown qualities of the Silent Sakura align with a similar focus on auditory discretion.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will play significant roles. If you find yourself working in an office or shared space where noise is a concern, the muted and low-pitched Durock Dolphins, with their medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, will provide you with a satisfying, polished typing experience that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. Their substantial feel is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more feedback from their switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch while typing and value a whisper-quiet operation, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, these switches deliver a smooth, effortless keystroke while maintaining a serene typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you seek the solid, tactile engagement offered by the Durock Dolphins or the light, soothing touch of the Silent Sakura.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more