Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to choosing a linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Jelly offer distinct experiences to cater to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is characterized by its solid 67g actuation force, providing a more substantial feel that appeals to those who appreciate a robust typing experience. Its quiet operation makes it ideal for workspaces, maintaining a low noise profile without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch boasts a lighter 42g actuation force, resulting in an incredibly smooth typing experience aided by excellent factory lubrication. This switch produces a low-pitched, deep thock sound, adding a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing. Both switches excel in their own right, whether it's the Daybreak's heftiness for a more tactile experience or the Jelly's smoothness and sound signature for a lighter touch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

HMX Jelly Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Jelly, a notable distinction lies in their respective top housing compositions: the Daybreak utilizes polycarbonate while the Jelly features nylon. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, allowing for a clearer resonance when a key is pressed. This quality makes polycarbonate especially suited for applications such as RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual aesthetic. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Jelly produces a warmer and fuller sound because it absorbs more sound, yielding a rounder auditory experience. The divergence in these top housing materials indicates that users will experience different sound qualities and resonances when engaging with each switch.

Despite the differences in top housing materials, both keyboards share the same nylon bottom housing. This shared bottom housing results in a deep and full sound profile, ensuring that both switches deliver a similarly rich auditory experience when the keys bottom out. Nylon's inherent softness contributes to sound absorption, dampening higher frequencies and ensuring that the bottom-out sound is characterized by its rounded quality. Therefore, while the Daybreak's polycarbonate top creates a sharper sound and the Jelly's nylon top leads to a deeper tone, the impact of the nylon bottom maintains a common auditory experience across both models when it's time to press the keys fully.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Daybreak and the Jelly not only influences the resulting sound profile, but also defines the tactile nature of each switch. The Daybreak, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a layout that enhances high-end clarity during key release, while the Jelly balances this with a softening effect from its nylon top that rounds out the sound. Users can find pleasure in both switches' bottom experiences, but the variation in the top housings creates distinct auditory characteristics that distinguish the two models. While similar overall, the interplay between their materials highlights how nuanced the ergonomics of sound can be in mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has an actuation force of none grams, which means it doesn’t require a specific force to register a keystroke; however, it does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Jelly switch has a more tangible actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference implies that while the Daybreak provides a lighter touch on the actuation, its heavier bottom out force may not be as comfortable for longer typing sessions compared to the Jelly. Consequently, users seeking a more effortless typing experience may prefer the Jelly due to its lighter actuation and overall lighter force requirements. In summary, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel in their typing may gravitate towards the heavier Daybreak switch, while those prioritizing a lighter feel for extended use might opt for the faster, lighter Jelly switch.

Travel distance

The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which means that users will experience identical keypress feedback when using either switch. This equal travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, as both switches will engage at the same point of depression. Consequently, whether choosing the Daybreak or the Jelly, users can expect similar results in terms of key response and overall engagement, making either switch a suitable option for those looking for a linear feel with a moderate travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switches are characterized by a muted operation complemented by a low-pitched tone, offering a quieter typing experience ideal for shared workspaces. Their subdued sound signature minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making them a suitable option for those who prefer a more discreet keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switches produce a deep, thocky sound that is notably heavier and more resonant. This low-pitched auditory feedback gives a distinctly satisfying experience during typing, which can be captivating for users who appreciate a rich sound profile. Overall, while both switches provide a unique auditory experience, the Daybreak leans towards being quiet and understated, whereas the Jelly delivers a more pronounced sound.

In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak stands out with its polished switch design, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through quality materials and excellent factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and seamless key travel. The 67g actuation force also contributes to a heavier and more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who enjoy a pronounced and tactile engagement with their switches. Meanwhile, the specifics regarding the feel of the HMX Jelly switches remain unknown; however, the mention of their exceptional smoothness, likely owing to the factory lube, suggests they might also provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit with a lighter 42g actuation force that would cater to users who prefer a lighter touch.

In conclusion, both the Durock Daybreak and HMX Jelly switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Daybreak excels with a muted, low-pitched sound and polished feel, providing a stable and quiet environment for typing. On the other hand, the Jelly features a thocky sound that satisfies auditory cravings and a smooth experience likely attributed to its factory lube. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize a heavier, quieter switch or a lightweight, more resonant typing experience. Both allow for enjoyable typing results based on personal preference, ensuring each user can find their ideal switch to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you favor a more tactile and heavier typing experience, with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Daybreak switches will suit you well. Their muted and low-pitched sound profile makes them an excellent selection for quiet workspaces or shared environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless keypress with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Jelly switches offer a super smooth experience enhanced by their excellent factory lube. Their appealing thocky sound adds character without overwhelming noise, making them a great fit for casual gaming or personal use where noise isn’t as much of a concern. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a more substantial, quieter feel or a lighter, more dynamic keypress in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more