Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, both the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Durock Dolphin stands out as an ideal option for professional environments due to its silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who need to keep noise levels down. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is designed for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel, thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance and slightly quieter sound profile, while still offering the signature tactile feedback associated with HMX switches. Ultimately, your choice depends on your typing environment and personal preferences for feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Twilight switches illustrate distinct approaches to sound profiles in mechanical keyboard switches. The Dolphin features a top housing made of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight opts for nylon as its top housing material, which provides a softer, fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound vibrations, resulting in a deeper and rounder acoustic experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials suggests that users of the Dolphin will experience a more pronounced ping and brighter keystroke sounds, while the Twilight offers a quieter, more muted auditory output.

When examining the bottom housing of both switches, they share a commonality with nylon being the chosen material for both the Dolphin and Twilight. This uniformity means that the sound signature during the actuation phase remains consistent across the two switches. The softer characteristics of nylon contribute to a duller bottom-out sound on both models, ensuring a pleasant tactile feel that absorbs excess noise. As a result, even though the tops of the switches differ significantly in terms of sound and tonal quality, the bottoms balance the overall sound experience, providing a fuller and more cohesive typing feel.

Ultimately, the combination of materials used in each switch dictates the overall typing experience. While the Durock Dolphin’s polycarbonate top introduces sharpness and clarity, the nylon bottom helps ground the sound with its rounded profile. Conversely, the HMX Twilight’s nylon top fosters warmth and depth while maintaining the same deeper sound quality via its nylon bottom housing. Users seeking a unique auditory experience will appreciate the contrasting qualities, while those who desire a more consistent sound may enjoy the common characteristics presented by the nylon bottom of both models. This interplay between the two housing materials underscores the complexity and diversity in mechanical switch design, catering to varied user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Twilight switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Twilight makes it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, while the Dolphin's higher bottom out force may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, with the Dolphin being heavier in terms of bottom out force, it may appeal to users seeking a sturdier typing experience, whereas the Twilight caters to those looking for a lighter touch. Since the actuation force of the Dolphin is unknown, it's difficult to establish a direct comparison in that regard, but users could expect different tactile experiences based on the known bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find slight differences that could impact user preference. The Dolphin features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Twilight has a marginally longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Dolphin the shorter option and the Twilight the longer one. For gamers and those who favor a quicker response time, the Dolphin's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key might gravitate towards the Twilight, as its increased travel distance offers a more grounded experience. Ultimately, while both offer a linear response, the choice between them hinges on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin stands out as a specifically muted switch, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical options. The sound profile of the Dolphin is characterized by a low-pitched tone, which contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This makes the Dolphin an ideal choice for environments where minimizing noise is crucial, such as offices or shared workspaces. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch, while noted for its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, does not have an explicit sound profile described. However, it is referenced as having slightly quieter characteristics while still maintaining some of the typical clackiness associated with HMX switches. These differences may indicate that while both switches are quieter than other options, the Dolphin leans more towards a subdued sound experience than the Twilight.

In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin is recognized for its polished nature, allowing for a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction during key travel. This polished quality enables a sleek interaction that many typists appreciate, especially in longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight lacks a specific feel descriptor, which leaves its tactile characteristics open to interpretation. However, enthusiasts who prefer linear switches often seek smoothness and a satisfying press, which could suggest that the Twilight also offers a pleasant feel, albeit without the same clarity in its tactile feedback as the Dolphin.

In summary, both the Durock Dolphin and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to users looking for quieter, smoother key presses, albeit with distinct differences in sound and smoothness. The Dolphin excels with its muted, low-pitched sound and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. Meanwhile, the Twilight’s extended travel distance may offer a different auditory experience while still being on the quieter side. Ultimately, if you favor a more refined auditory and tactile experience, the Dolphin might suit you best, while the Twilight could appeal if you seek a slightly different approach to linear switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Twilight linear switches ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find yourself working in a shared office space or need a quieter setup, the Durock Dolphin's muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it an ideal choice. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, it offers a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate for its balance between control and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and longer travel distance while still enjoying a bit of tactile feedback, the HMX Twilight, which features a lighter 50-gram actuation force and an extended 3.85mm travel, might be your go-to switch. It's a perfect fit for casual gaming or relaxed typing sessions where you're looking for a smooth experience without much noise. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs, so consider your workspace and typing style before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more