Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, two compelling options are the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Deep Navy, each offering unique attributes to enhance your typing experience. The Durock Daybreak switches feature a substantial actuation force of 67g, providing a firm tactile feel that many users appreciate for its weighted touch. Coupled with their muted, low-pitched sound profile, these switches are particularly well-suited for office environments or shared spaces where quiet operation is a priority. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches are known for their luxurious construction and crisp auditory feedback, made entirely from nylon materials, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience with every keystroke. While the Daybreak prioritizes a heavier, more subdued experience, the Deep Navy focuses on a lively auditory presence combined with silky smoothness. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a more substantial, quieter switch experience or a vibrant, tactile sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Deep Navy, it’s evident that they employ different materials for their top housing. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This property not only enhances the sound quality but also makes the housing ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, thanks to its translucence. In contrast, the Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material affects how each switch feels and sounds when engaged.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for the bottom housing: nylon. In this aspect, both the Daybreak and Deep Navy create a consistent foundation for the typing experience, as nylon's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a fuller sound profile in both models. The softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Consequently, both models provide a deeper auditory experience when a key is pressed down, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. This shared characteristic of the bottom housing helps create a familiar sense of fullness and depth during use.
To summarize, while the Durock Daybreak and HMX Deep Navy feature different materials for their top housing, leading to distinct sound profiles, they align in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. The integration of a polycarbonate top in the Daybreak allows for a crisp sound that pairs well with RGB lighting, while the nylon top in the Deep Navy fosters a warmer, more rounded auditory sensation. Ultimately, the combination of these housings drives home the point that the materials chosen for the top and bottom housings determine the overall sound and feel during use, offering enthusiasts a spectrum of typing experiences from sharp and clear to deep and full.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak switch features an unspecified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch has a light actuation force of 40 grams and an even lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. Given that the Deep Navy is clearly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, it would appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use and gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may provide a more robust tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort should gravitate towards the HMX Deep Navy, while those favoring a heavier touch may find the Durock Daybreak more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, the Daybreak takes the lead with a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Deep Navy offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the HMX Deep Navy might be more suitable for your typing or gaming needs, as shorter travel distances are often favored for quicker response times. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial depth while typing, the Durock Daybreak could provide a more satisfying experience with its greater travel distance. Thus, the Daybreak is the better option for those who prefer a more pronounced stroke, while the Deep Navy caters to users seeking enhanced responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Durock Daybreak linear switch features a muted, low-pitched tone, providing a quiet environment that minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard clatter. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces where loud typing could be disruptive. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is designed with a richer sound profile. Its full nylon construction contributes to a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke, unlike the Daybreak's softer sound. However, the specific sound qualities of the Deep Navy switches are less defined in the available information, preventing a direct comparison.
In terms of feel, the Daybreak switches are praised for their polished texture, which creates a fluid typing experience thanks to reduced friction and a smoothly refined finish. This makes each keystroke a pleasurable experience, ideal for long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches lack specific descriptors about their feel, making it difficult to determine how they compare to the Daybreak in terms of tactile feedback or smoothness. Depending on the materials used and construction, the Deep Navy could offer its own unique typing experience, but that isn't specified in the current details.
In conclusion, while the Durock Daybreak linear switches excel in creating a quiet and polished typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy switches promise a sharper sound through their nylon build. If you favor a noiseless environment and a smooth feel, the Daybreak may be the preferred choice; however, if you seek a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Deep Navy could be worth exploring despite the lack of detailed qualitative comparisons. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel while ensuring that each provides a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and the typing experience you're seeking. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Daybreak is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation provides tactile feedback that many find satisfying, while its muted sound profile ensures a quiet workspace environment. This makes them ideal for office settings or for those who appreciate a more refined sound and feel to their typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch, the Deep Navy switch with a 45-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable for you. Its rich and sharp sound profile can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the auditory feedback of keystrokes. Each switch offers its unique advantages, so consider how you typically type and what environment you will be using them in to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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