Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Sunset Gleam are compelling options for fans of linear switches. The Durock Dolphin is particularly praised for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office spaces or environments where noise reduction is key. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g strikes a balance between a satisfying press and precise control, appealing to those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and substance. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also referred to as the Duck Duck switch, offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback with its nuanced top-out and satisfying clack, thanks to HMX's renowned factory lubrication. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the Dolphin excels in quieter settings, while the Sunset Gleam provides a more pronounced auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Sunset Gleam feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly contributes to their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic—allows these switches to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound. This material's translucency is also valuable for aesthetic purposes, especially when RGB lighting is included, as it enhances the visual appeal of the switches. With both switches employing identical top housing materials, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by crisp sound and enhanced resonation. The shared properties of the polycarbonate top ensure that the keys will emit an engaging sound, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts looking for high-quality sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, another point of similarity that further unifies their sound experiences. Nylon, known for being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, which contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile compared to harder materials. This characteristic allows for a rounder sound, especially noticeable during the bottom-out phase of key presses. Since both the Dolphin and Sunset Gleam incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, users will feel this deeper sound impact consistently across both switches. The softer nature of nylon enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for a more subdued acoustic signature that contrasts pleasingly with the sharpness of the polycarbonate top.
In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin and HMX Sunset Gleam have distinct features—such as the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom—these similarities in material selection lead to predictable and enjoyable performance across both switches. By combining a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom, each switch offers a harmonious balance, where the sharper sounds from the top mesh with the fuller sounds from the bottom. For users seeking a consistent and enjoyable typing experience, both switches would deliver similar performance due to their shared housing materials and design philosophy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Dolphin switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium, while the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam significantly lighter overall, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions and gaming, as users may find less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Dolphin's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the exact actuation force of the Dolphin is unknown, the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter, more responsive touch, making it a better option for users prioritizing ease of use over the pronounced feel that comes with the Dolphin’s heavier bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Dolphin offers a more pronounced keypress, providing a heartier depth that some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who prefer a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, may cater more to gamers and typists who prioritize quick responsiveness and faster actuation. For those who favor a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Dolphin would be the better choice, while the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those seeking a more rapid keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, as the Dolphin is the longer travel option at 3.8 mm, whereas the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option at 3.5 mm.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
The Durock Dolphin linear switches stand out for their muted and low-pitched sound profile. Being silent switches, they are perfect for quieter environments where minimizing noise is essential. The deep, bass-heavy tone contributes to a less intrusive auditory experience, making them suitable for office settings or shared workspaces. In contrast, while there isn't specific information on the sound characteristics of the HMX Sunset Gleam switches, they are noted for creating a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, largely thanks to their unique material blend and effective factory lubrication. Thus, the Sunset Gleam may produce a more pronounced auditory feedback that enhances the tactile experience for those who appreciate a bit of sound during their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switches have a polished finish that yields a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction. This polished characteristic is achieved through high-quality materials and effective factory lubrication, providing a balanced resistance with their medium-heavy actuation force of 62g. On the other hand, there is currently no descriptive information regarding the tactile feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam switches. This lack of detail means we cannot make a direct comparison, but users seeking a smooth experience with a better auditory feedback may prefer the Sunset Gleam if it mirrors the characteristics associated with its material quality.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switches excel in providing a quiet, polished typing experience that would suit office settings and those seeking little noise during use. While the Sunset Gleam's specific sound and feel characteristics remain undefined, their manufacturing reputation hints at a potentially satisfying tactile experience. If you're considering these switches, you'll find that both offer distinct advantages. The Durock Dolphins favor silence and smoothness, while the HMX Sunset Gleam may appeal to those who appreciate a lively, audible response with a touch of sophistication in feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you need a switch for a quiet office environment or a workspace where noise can be an issue, the Durock Dolphin would be your best bet. Its muted sound profile and polished feel provide a smooth, yet resistance-driven typing experience that many users appreciate, especially if you enjoy a more substantial actuation force of 62 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy the tactile feedback of a well-lubed switch, the HMX Sunset Gleam with its 48-gram actuation force could be more suitable for you. This switch offers a blend of subtle auditory satisfaction while maintaining a smooth and responsive keypress, making it a great option for those who enjoy fast-paced typing without much resistance. Ultimately, consider the setting in which you’ll be using the keyboard, as well as your personal tactile preferences, to make the most informed choice between these two great options.
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