Durock Dolphin vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two prominent options are the Durock Dolphin and the HMX SU, both linear switches that cater to different preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin is renowned for its silent operation, making it a prime choice for office settings or any workspace where minimizing noise is crucial. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes an excellent balance between a satisfying resistance and precise typing, which many users find appealing. Its polished and muted profile provides a pleasant tactile experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivers a subtle yet deeper sound profile, appealing to those who might appreciate a more robust acoustic experience while typing. Without specific categorization, its unique design elements could cater to enthusiasts looking for a distinctive typing feel. Both switches present compelling advantages depending on your typing environment and personal taste; 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
1.80 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
T5
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 examining the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX SU, notable contrasts emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This quality enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it ideal for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that yields a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder tone. Thus, while the Dolphin’s polycarbonate housing excels in generating high-pitched sounds and vibrant lighting effects, the HMX SU leans towards a warmer auditory experience.
Interestingly, both the Durock Dolphin and HMX SU share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. Given that nylon is effective at absorbing sound and producing a fuller tone, the bottom housing in both switches will likely create a consistent auditory foundation for users. The impact of the nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a uniformity in sound, ensuring that both switches deliver a rich, deeper experience upon bottoming out. Therefore, even as the top housings differ, the bottom housing helps to maintain a level of similarity in sound character across both models.
In essence, while the Durock Dolphin and HMX SU vary in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Dolphin and nylon for the SU—it's the nylon bottom housing that creates a parallel experience in the fullness of sound produced. The divergence in top materials leads to distinctly different sound profiles when the key is released, whereas the shared nylon bottom creates a harmonizing effect during key presses. Users can expect to achieve certain similar results in terms of sound depth due to the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings, making both switches appealing attractions to different tactile and auditory preferences in keyboard construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance upon complete depression. In contrast, the HMX SU switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Durock Dolphin requires more force to bottom out, making it a heavier option overall, while the HMX SU offers a lighter feel that may be preferable for extended typing sessions or gaming. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the heavier Dolphin switch may be more appealing; however, those who favor a lighter touch should consider the HMX SU for a quicker response and less fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SU has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Dolphin a better option for those who prefer a more generous depth when pressing the keys, as it provides a fuller experience that some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the SU's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or typists looking for quicker response times, aligning with the trend of favoring shorter distances for enhanced speed. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances means that users seeking a more pronounced keypress might choose the Durock Dolphin, while those prioritizing rapid actuation would likely prefer the HMX SU linear switch.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Dolphin switches provide a muted and low-pitched auditory experience. This characteristic makes them particularly appealing for users who desire a quieter typing experience, perfect for office settings where noise can be disruptive. The subtle sound profile minimizes the typical clacking noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing users to focus without distraction. On the other hand, details about the HMX SU linear switch's sound profile are currently unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, it is essential to acknowledge that sound can greatly vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choice used with either switch.
When considering feel, the Dolphin switches shine with their polished finish, delivering a smooth typing experience that enhances overall satisfaction. This smoothness results from meticulous manufacturing processes or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures seamless key travel, making them enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switches lack specific descriptors regarding their tactile feel, making direct comparison challenging. Nonetheless, if the SU switches are designed with quality in mind, one could expect a balanced and satisfying typing experience as well.
In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in its muted sound profile and polished feel, making it a strong candidate for quiet environments, the HMX SU linear switch introduces an element of uncertainty, particularly regarding its auditory and tactile qualities. If you prefer a quiet, refined typing experience, the Dolphins are a safe choice, whereas the SU might be appealing for those open to exploring unknown traits. Both switches could potentially offer satisfying results when paired with the right keyboard setup and keycaps, but the Dolphin clearly stands out in the areas of sound and feel based on available information.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, your personal preferences and typical usage scenarios should guide your decision. If you're seeking a switch that delivers a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Durock Dolphin is an excellent choice, particularly for environments where noise is a concern. Its silent operation and polished feel make it flawless for office settings or any workspace that requires discretion without compromising on tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX SU linear switch would serve you better, especially for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are required. The SU offers a relatively deep sound profile and is known for its refined construction, making it a comfortable option for those who enjoy a lighter switch without excessive noise. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both the tactile and auditory experience you desire, whether it be the muted sophistication of the Dolphin or the subtle depth and lightness of the SU.
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