Durock Daybreak vs. HMX FJ400

Overview

When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the HMX FJ400 both stand out within the category of linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Durock Daybreak switches offer a robust actuation force of 67g, providing a substantial tactile feedback that many typists appreciate for a more engaged and controlled feel. Their operation is notably quiet and emits a polished, muted, low-pitched sound, making them an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is important. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 serves as a versatile middle ground within the HMX Film switch lineup, known for its balanced sound profile that appeals to users seeking a more neutral typing experience. As both options provide linear characteristics and cater to different needs and environments, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference for heft versus harmony in sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

HMX FJ400 Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Daybreak and HMX FJ400 switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This rigidity enables a sharper, higher-pitched sound, resulting in a crisp auditory feedback that appeals to users who enjoy the clarity in their keystrokes, especially when RGB lighting is employed. In contrast, the FJ400 uses a POM top housing, which contributes a deeper, more muted sound profile. The smoother and denser characteristics of POM dampen the frequencies, leading to a unique auditory experience that emphasizes warmth over brightness. Thus, while both switches can provide satisfactory performance, the tonal qualities produced differ fundamentally due to the choice of materials in their top housings.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we discover a shared choice in nylon, which is heralded for its ability to create deeper and fuller sound profiles. Both the Daybreak and FJ400 employ nylon for their bottom housings, which features a softer composition that absorbs more sound. This absorption leads to a rounder and less aggressive sound, dampening the impact of bottoming out. Consequently, regardless of the distinct top housing materials, users can expect a satisfying depth to their typing sounds when either switch is used. The nylon contributes to a consistent experience, ensuring that both switches allow for a more muted auditory profile during actuation.

In essence, while the top housings of the Durock Daybreak and HMX FJ400 employ different materials that provide contrasting sonic characteristics, their shared nylon bottom housing creates a uniform sound depth that enhances the overall typing experience. Users can thus anticipate that the final sound and feel of their keystrokes will be a harmonious blend of the bright clarity from the Daybreak's polycarbonate or the softer tone from the FJ400's POM, paired with the profound acoustic qualities of nylon. The interplay between the top and bottom housings thus uniquely shapes the auditory output, allowing for personalization while maintaining desirable sound attributes across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak switch has an unspecified actuation force, making it challenging to compare directly in this aspect; however, it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, deemed medium-heavy. In contrast, the FJ400 linear switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium. This indicates that the FJ400 is the lighter option, providing a more responsive typing experience suitable for longer sessions. On the other hand, the Daybreak, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing. Overall, while both switches could offer quality experiences, the choice between a lighter and a heavier force depends on personal preference regarding typing comfort and feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm. This similarity ensures that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a comparable tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and actuation force, making either switch a suitable choice for those seeking consistent performance during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched profile. This means that when you type, the switch produces a softer, more subdued sound, making it an excellent option for environments where noise is a concern. The deep, bass-heavy tone contributes to a more comfortable typing atmosphere, as it minimizes the clatter often associated with mechanical switches. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 switch offers a balanced sound profile but lacks specific descriptors to compare it directly to the Daybreak. Without additional details, it's difficult to ascertain how the FJ400's sound might differ in terms of pitch or volume, but it generally suggests a more neutral auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Daybreak switches shine with their polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is a significant advantage for users seeking a tactile yet effortless key press, as it reduces friction and enhances key travel. The precise engineering or factory lubing contributing to this polish ensures that each keystroke feels seamless. The HMX FJ400's tactile qualities are not explicitly defined, leaving a gap in comparison. Therefore, while the Daybreak provides a distinct sensation, the FJ400's feel remains uncertain without further details.

In summary, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is a well-rounded option for users who prioritize both quiet operation and a polished typing experience, thanks to its muted sound and smooth feel. The HMX FJ400 offers a balanced sound profile, though its specific tactile qualities are not detailed. For those who prefer a quieter experience, the Daybreak is a standout choice, while the FJ400 may also appeal to those who desire a middle ground, pending more information on its feel. Overall, newcomers can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, depending on their preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a heavier, more substantial feel with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Daybreak is an excellent option. Its muted, low-pitched sound profile means it won’t draw attention in quieter spaces, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where you want to keep noise to a minimum. The polished feel of the Daybreak ensures a smooth typing experience, which can enhance your overall comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter actuation force with a comfortable 58 grams, allowing for faster key presses without feeling overly heavy, the HMX FJ400 is worth considering. Its balanced sound profile offers some versatility, making it suitable for various settings while still remaining pleasant to type on. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, ambient noise considerations, and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more