Durock Dolphin vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves considering the unique attributes of different options to suit their typing preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin, a silent linear switch, stands out as an ideal choice for those working in office settings or shared spaces, where noise levels are crucial. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying resistance that caters to typists who enjoy a little feedback without the distraction of sound. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a distinctive experience with its heavier variant of the classic Xinhai. Its innovative PA12 top housing ensures softer acoustics while the POM stem delivers a crisp higher-pitched sound. This switch pairs a subtle sophistication with precise performance, making it a great option for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Both switches bring their unique advantages to the table, appealing to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Dolphin Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Dolphin and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory qualities of each switch. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This result is partially due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance when keys are pressed. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing also offers aesthetic advantages, particularly for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through dynamically. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a mellower and rounder auditory experience that diverges sharply from the crispness of the Dolphin's polycarbonate.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Durock Dolphin and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share the same material: nylon. This commonality ensures that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottomed out, as the nylon's softer composition absorbs sound effectively. This shared characteristic contributes to a satisfying bottom-out feel, making both switches respond similarly in this regard. However, while both use nylon for the bottom housing, the distinct differences in their top housings lead to divergence in overall sound profiles when pressed. The deeper impact of the nylon in both switches shapes the overall typing experience, reinforcing a sense of solidity during key presses.

Ultimately, while the Durock Dolphin and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share similarities in their bottom housing with nylon, the contrasts in their top housing materials lead to differentiated sound experiences. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity, appealing to users looking for an articulate sound. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more rounded and mellow audio experience with its nylon top. Thus, while you can expect a comparable bottom-out feel thanks to the nylon's influence, the auditory results will diverge significantly based on the type of material used in the top housing of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Dolphin switch lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is classified as medium. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch presents a measurable actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Xinhai switch requires a lighter force to actuate compared to the Dolphin switch's unspecified actuation force, which suggests that users seeking a more responsive typing experience might prefer the Xinhai. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, leading to comparable feedback when fully depressed. Ultimately, the Dolphin might appeal to those who like a lighter typing feel overall, while the Xinhai caters to those who prefer a heavier and more substantial push feel, contributing to their typing preferences in longer sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Durock Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in distance may appeal to different user preferences: those who favor a more responsive feel might prefer the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) due to its shorter travel distance, which can potentially lead to faster key presses and quicker responses, particularly beneficial for gamers. Conversely, users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress may lean towards the Durock Dolphin for its deeper travel distance, offering a more tangible tactile feedback. Overall, your choice will depend on your priorities between responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out as a notably muted option, producing a softer and quieter sound profile ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The low-pitched tone adds to the overall experience, offering a bass-heavy and mellow quality that can be more pleasant for long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch lacks a specific sound profile description, leaving a gap in its auditory characteristics. However, due to its unique construction with a PA12 top housing, it likely emphasizes softer acoustics, potentially providing a sophisticated sound experience. The acoustic interplay of material choices and build can significantly affect how these switches resonate, especially when paired with different keyboard configurations.

Regarding feel, the Dolphin excels with its polished finish, which contributes to a wonderfully smooth typing experience. The factory lubrication and quality materials minimize friction, resulting in a refined key travel that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) does not have available information on its tactile feel or smoothness. However, its heavy actuation force hints that it may deliver a more substantial keystroke, which can appeal to those who prefer a firmer feedback sensation when typing.

In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is particularly advantageous for users seeking a quiet, polished typing experience with a balanced actuation force. While the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains somewhat enigmatic in terms of sound and feel details, its heavy build may attract typists looking for a sturdier option. Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences, and the right choice will depend on whether sound and a smooth finish or a heavier actuation appeal more to the user. While they may offer different strengths, both can deliver satisfying typing experiences depending on individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you work in an environment where noise is a concern, such as an office or shared space, the Durock Dolphins would be your best bet with their silent operation and medium-heavy actuation force that provides a satisfying yet subtle typing experience. Their polished feel ensures smooth key travel, making long typing sessions more enjoyable and efficient. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that adds a bit of character to your typing with crisp, higher-pitched resonance while still maintaining that smoothness, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might be more to your liking. Its slightly firmer bottom-out force and unique materials contribute to a robust typing experience, perfectly balancing performance and a sophisticated acoustic profile. Ultimately, consider your environment and typing style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more