Durock Dolphin vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Strawberry Latte both present compelling options for users seeking a linear experience, yet they cater to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin switches are celebrated for their silent operation, making them an excellent choice for those in shared workspaces or quiet settings, while their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g provides a satisfying, substantial feel that balances beauty with precision. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches are designed for smoothness, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to create a balanced sound profile that strikes a middle ground: not overly quiet nor excessively resonant, appealing to users who enjoy a more versatile auditory feedback. With distinct characteristics, both switches have their unique strengths that can enhance your typing experience, but making the right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it is clear that they employ different materials, each with its unique attributes impacting sound quality and aesthetics. The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is valued for its extreme smoothness and durability rather than its acoustics. Although POK does deliver a unique sound, it does not match the sharpness offered by polycarbonate; instead, it creates a smooth, clacky sound while ensuring longevity and resilience.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Durock Dolphin and the Huano Strawberry Latte use nylon, a classic choice in switch construction. Nylon's properties enable it to absorb sound efficiently, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. This shared material in the bottom housing suggests that both switches will create a similar tactile experience, providing a duller and rounder sound tone. The identical choice of nylon for the bottom housing allows users to expect comparable bottom-out sounds and feelings, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
Overall, the combination of materials in these switches leads to distinct sound profiles and experiences when typing. While the Durock Dolphin's polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Huano Strawberry Latte's POK top prioritizes smoothness and durability, leading to a clackier sound. However, both switches balance these qualities with nylon bottoms that promote a full-bodied auditory experience. Therefore, while the top housings impart unique characteristics, the nylon bottoms ensure a unified tactile response, allowing enthusiasts to find satisfaction in either switch’s performance, depending on their personal preferences for sound clarity versus smoothness.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct typing preferences. The Dolphin does not have an specified actuation force, while its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance that may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Consequently, users who prefer lighter switches for extended use would gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, while those who favor a firmer push may find the Dolphin appealing despite its unknown actuation force. Overall, the Durock Dolphin is characterized as the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is lighter and offers a softer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Dolphin offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Dolphin the longer option, which may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced keypress. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte could provide a more responsive feel, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key depth and responsiveness; those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Dolphin, while those seeking faster response times may lean towards the Strawberry Latte.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 switches excel in providing a muted auditory experience, characterized by their low-pitched tones that create a softer and more bass-heavy sound profile. This makes them particularly suitable for environments where noise sensitivity is critical, such as offices, as they minimize the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches have a balanced sound profile, details are scarce, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. They tend to hover in the middle, not particularly quiet but also not overly resonant, which suggests they may produce a more pronounced sound than the Dolphins without being excessively loud.
In terms of feel, the Dolphin switches stand out with their polished finish, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience. This is likely a combination of quality materials and effective factory lubing, which significantly reduces friction and enhances the overall key travel. Unfortunately, the specifics regarding the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches are unknown. Without more information, it’s challenging to directly compare their tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In summary, if you seek a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, the Durock Dolphin switches would fit the bill perfectly, with their muted sound and polished feel. While the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a balanced sound that may appeal to some, their tactile qualities remain unclear. Overall, choosing between these switches will largely depend on individual preference, particularly concerning sound levels and typing feel—attributes where the Dolphins provide clear advantages while the specifics of the Strawberry Lattes are yet to be defined.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to opt for the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself working in an office or shared space where noise levels are important, the Durock Dolphin is the clear choice. With a medium actuation force of 62 grams and a muted, low-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a satisfying yet quiet typing experience that minimizes distractions right when you need to focus. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter touch that allows for faster typing and enhanced agility, the Strawberry Latte, with its light bottom-out force of 45 grams, could be more suited to your style. While not as quiet as the Dolphins, its smooth key travel and balanced sound profile provide a delightful typing experience perfect for gaming or casual use. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that enhances your keyboard experience to match your specific needs and preferences.
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