For unlatching a head within a data storage device, such as a HDD (hard disc drive), a VCM (voice coil motor) amplifier with a switch is used for applying at least one cycle of an acceleration current pulse to a voice coil motor (VCM) for unlatching the head during an acceleration time zone. An analog to digital converter samples a characteristic of the VCM for indicating a speed of the head during the acceleration time zone. An unlatch controller terminates the acceleration time zone when the speed of the head is higher than a threshold speed, for more stable operation of the head but with guarantee of unlatching, regardless of the latch force within the HDD.