Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Poro presents users with two distinct experiences tailored to varying preferences. The Durock Daybreak, with its robust 67g actuation force, delivers a more substantial tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying heft for those who appreciate a grounded feel. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it particularly suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches shine with their feather-light actuation and silky smooth keystrokes, offering an effortless typing experience that many users find appealing for both gaming and extended typing sessions. Their unique poppy and clacky sound profile provides a different auditory satisfaction that can add to the joy of typing. While both switches cater to the linear preference, they embody different attributes that can significantly influence your typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and HMX Poro switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter employing nylon. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer properties, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, enhancing clarity when the keys are pressed or released. This characteristic makes the Daybreak particularly appealing for users who value a pronounced auditory feedback while typing, especially in setups that feature RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon used in the Poro's top housing results in a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs some sound, thus providing a more muted auditory experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a less sharp, more subdued keystroke sound.
On the other side, both the Daybreak and Poro utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a commonality that shares a significant influence on the overall typing experience. Given that the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon in both switches provides a fuller, rounded sound profile during key presses. This similarity allows users of both switches to enjoy a similar tactile experience when bottoming out, even though the top housing materials diverge in their auditory characteristics. Therefore, while pressing down on both switches will yield a comparable feel due to the nylon bottom, the auditory feedback will differ based on the varying top housing materials.
In summary, while the Daybreak and Poro switches feature contrasting top housing materials—polycarbonate for Durock and nylon for HMX—the bottom housing is uniform across both, being composed of nylon. This combination means that users will experience a richer and deeper sound when actuating the switches, thanks to the nylon bottoms. However, upon release, the differences will be more pronounced, with the Daybreak's polycarbonate top delivering a sharper and crisper release, while the Poro's nylon top will produce a softer and duller sound. Consequently, if you're aiming for a specific auditory feedback or aesthetic appeal influenced by light, your choice between the Daybreak and Poro will significantly impact your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we can observe some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak does not specify an actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and suggesting a substantial typing experience that some users prefer. In contrast, the Poro has a defined actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for those who value comfort during long typing sessions. This means that while the Poro requires less force to actuate a keystroke and bottoms out at a noticeably lighter pressure, the Daybreak's unknown actuation force suggests it may require a heavier touch overall. Consequently, users seeking a lighter and potentially more comfortable feel should lean toward the Poro, while those desiring a firmer keystroke might find the Daybreak more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Daybreak boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Poro has a slightly shorter distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Poro the more responsive choice if you prioritize quicker actuation and faster response times, which is often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Daybreak's longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a deeper keystroke experience. Therefore, if you lean towards a shorter switch for enhanced speed, the HMX Poro would be the ideal option, whereas the Durock Daybreak would cater better to those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their typing.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Poro linear switches, the distinctions are clear. The Daybreak boasts a muted and low-pitched sound, creating a soft and subtle typing experience that minimizes disruptive noise, making it suitable for shared workspaces. This mellow tone offers a bass-heavy quality, allowing for a discreet typing environment. In contrast, while specific details for the Poro's sound profile are not provided, its indication of a "poppy and clacky" sound suggests a lively acoustics, likely leaning towards a more animated soundscape. This could provide a more enjoyable auditory feedback for those who appreciate some character in their keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switches are characterized by their polished surface, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience that reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. This quality can enhance the overall comfort during long typing sessions. Conversely, while the tactile feedback of the Poro switches is unknown, they are noted for their silky smooth keystrokes and effortless glide, hinting at a potentially very comfortable typing experience as well. Without specific descriptors for the Poro’s feel, it’s difficult to draw exact comparisons, but both switches seem to prioritize a smooth experience.
Ultimately, both the Durock Daybreak and HMX Poro linear switches offer unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak excels in providing a quiet yet pronounced typing experience with its heavier actuation force and polished feel, making it ideal for those who require a discreet workspace. The Poro, while lacking specific descriptors regarding sound and feel, suggests a more vibrant and fluid typing experience that could appeal to users who enjoy responsive feedback. If you're looking for distinct yet satisfying typing experiences, each switch can deliver a delightful outcome while offering its unique spin on linear switch characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a weighty feel and prefer the quieter operation, the Daybreak switch, with its 67-gram actuation force, is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for environments where noise control is paramount, allowing you to type without disturbing others while still enjoying a polished and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more effortless typing experience, the HMX Poro, with its 50-gram actuation force, would be better suited to your needs. Its silky smooth keystrokes and poppy sound profile make it perfect for those who like a bit more auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider the environments in which you'll be using these switches and your personal typing style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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