I've been using the drumstick type activators up till now but wanted something that needed less accuracy when it comes to striking the fork. I watched the video on the Sound Therapy Shop website which was great. It explained the difference between the two types. I love the rubber one for working with forks directly on the body, as it seems to allow the fork to hold onto its vibrations, facilitating transfer to the body with less potency lost to the environment. The black activator is great for when you want to clear static from a room, or from your client's field, as the resonance is far more expansive. It's not simply a question of sound volume, it's how readily the forks release the vibrations and how near or far they travel. I'm very happy with both these activators, and really happy with the service from the Sound Therapy Shop.