Durock Daybreak vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate towards options that cater to their personal preferences and typing habits. The Durock Daybreak and HMX EVA are two compelling linear switches that cater to distinct user needs. The Durock Daybreak stands out with its hefty 67g actuation force, offering a more substantial tactile experience paired with a quiet operation, making it ideal for those in shared workspaces or environments where noise can be a concern. Additionally, its polished and muted characteristics contribute to an overall smooth typing experience. In contrast, the HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, not only brings a striking aesthetic but also features a resonant sound signature that enhances the typing experience with a silky smooth feel. This switch is perfect for gamers or typists looking to add a touch of personality to their setup while enjoying a satisfying auditory feedback. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their unique attributes may appeal to different users based on their specific needs and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the HMX EVA switches present a fascinating comparison in their housing materials, showcasing different plastics that contribute uniquely to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which imparts a sharper and crisper tone to keystrokes. This characteristic makes it particularly conducive for setups with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual effects while contributing to a bright sound profile that is well-suited for gamers and typists seeking tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX EVA employs nylon for its top housing, traditionally celebrated for its capacity to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and rounder audio response during typing, catering to those who prefer a more muted acoustic experience.
Interestingly, both the Daybreak and EVA housing materials share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both are constructed from nylon. This similarity allows for a consistent sound experience at the bottom-out of each switch. The nylon's inherent softness dampens the impact sound when the key is fully pressed, promoting a fuller and less jarring auditory sensation. As such, typists using either switch may find themselves enjoying that rich sound profile upon bottoming out, enhancing their overall typing comfort.
In essence, while the top housing of the Daybreak and EVA switches diverges in material choice—with polycarbonate yielding a brighter sound and nylon providing a more subdued acoustic experience—the bottom housing remains uniform in its construction. This integration means that, despite the disparity in top housings, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience. For users, this translates to a nuanced auditory effect during key releases from the Daybreak, balanced by the throatier tone of the EVA, with both delivering a cushioned and rich bottoming-out experience due to their nylon bases. The combined qualities can cater to a broad spectrum of preferences, allowing typists to select the switch that aligns best with their desired auditory aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch with the HMX EVA linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be classified as medium-heavy. In contrast, the EVA has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while the EVA requires less force to trigger a keystroke, the Daybreak switch offers a more substantial resistance when bottoming out. Therefore, the Daybreak is the heavier option, making it suitable for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter EVA switch would be ideal for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if you desire a lighter feel, the HMX EVA is the way to go, whereas the Durock Daybreak caters to those who appreciate a more tactile push.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX EVA linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Daybreak switch has a marginally deeper feel when pressed, which may be appealing to those who prefer a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the EVA switch provides a more concise travel, which can lead to quicker response times—an advantage that gamers often seek. While both switches offer a different tactile experience, users who favor quicker actuation may prefer the EVA. Ultimately, if you're aiming for a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Daybreak would be the better choice, whereas the EVA caters to those who appreciate a snappier feel.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 is characterized by its muted and low-pitched qualities, offering a softer, quieter typing experience that is particularly suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. The muted nature of the Daybreak minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical switches, allowing for a more subtle auditory presence. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX EVA linear switch is currently unknown, which leaves room for speculation about its acoustics. Given the Daybreak's targeted design for quiet performance and the EVA's inspiration from a vibrant, pop-culture aesthetic, one might expect varied sound signatures, depending largely on construction and materials used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak stands out with its polished touch, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience that significantly reduces friction during key presses. The heavy actuation force of 67g contributes to a substantial tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer more resistance. The HMX EVA's feel is also unknown, leaving some uncertainty. However, if it maintains a level of smoothness similar to the Daybreak, users can expect a similar experience in terms of general slickness.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is designed primarily for users who appreciate a heavier keypress in a quiet environment, featuring a refined, polished feel and a noticeably muted sound. The HMX EVA, while intriguing with its homage to Evangelion colors, lacks specific details in sound and feel that would allow for a direct comparison. If the EVA offers smoothness and satisfactory feedback akin to the Daybreak, it could potentially appeal to a similar demographic, but prospective users may need to explore more about its precise qualities to make an informed choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you appreciate a heftier actuation force and prefer a quiet typing experience, the Daybreak is an excellent option, especially in shared workspaces where minimizing noise is critical. Its polished feel and muted, low-pitched sound cater well to those who value a refined and discreet typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a more resonant sound signature, the HMX EVA is the way to go. Inspired by the iconic Evangelion Unit-01, this switch offers a silky smooth feel that may appeal to those who prioritize a brisk and enjoyable typing experience. Consider your typing habits, whether you often work in quiet environments or enjoy gaming and casual typing, as these factors will guide your choice between these two compelling switches.
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