HMX Cheese vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Durock Daybreak mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. As one of the lightest switches on the market, it provides a responsive and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches offer a heftier 67g actuation force, delivering a more substantial touch while maintaining a quiet operation. This makes them ideal for workspaces or any setting where noise reduction is crucial. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the Durock Daybreak feature nylon in their bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile due to the material's softer characteristics that absorb more sound. However, the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Cheese's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. The contrast in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the differences in the stiffness of the plastic materials used in their respective top housings.
While the nylon bottom housing of both the HMX Cheese and the Durock Daybreak contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the top housings showcase the distinct characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a softer and more absorptive sound, whereas the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing results in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the Daybreak's transparent polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal that the solid nylon top housing of the Cheese cannot replicate.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Daybreak play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. The split between bottom and top housing materials means that the unique qualities of nylon and polycarbonate are experienced differently during key presses and releases. The bottom housing's impact on bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the softness of nylon, while the top housing's effect on key release sound is characterized by the crispness of polycarbonate. Overall, while both switches offer a deep sound profile, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing ultimately determines the overall sound quality and typing experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of weight. The Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a smooth and easy typing experience. In contrast, the Daybreak switch has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Cheese switch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue, while individuals seeking a more pronounced and responsive keystroke may lean towards the Daybreak switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, the Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Daybreak has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular among users seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Cheese's 3.5 mm travel distance may be preferred by those who prioritize responsiveness, while the Daybreak's 3.8 mm travel distance may be more suited for individuals who prefer a deeper key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
The Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that stands out among other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch provides a more muted and low-pitched sound, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cheese being more lively and the Daybreak being more subdued.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Cheese prioritizes smoothness, the Daybreak focuses on a polished finish for a sleek typing feel. Both switches provide a different tactile experience that caters to the user's preferences for typing sensation.
Considering the available information on the HMX Cheese and Durock Daybreak linear switches, it is clear that they offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese stands out with its lively sound signature and smooth typing experience, while the Daybreak excels in offering a more muted sound and a polished typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, typing feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches promise a high-quality typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance and durability.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with smooth and crisp typing, as well as a distinctive sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a more muted sound profile and a polished feel for smooth key travel, the Durock Daybreak switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you seek.
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