Durock Daybreak vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the HMX SU both present compelling options for users seeking a linear typing experience, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Durock Daybreak, with its robust 67g actuation force, provides a substantial tactile feel that many typists appreciate, particularly in environments where minimizing noise is a priority, thanks to its polished and low-pitched profile. In contrast, the HMX SU boasts a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivering a uniquely subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that appeals to those who favor a more nuanced auditory experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness in keystrokes, yet their individual sound and feel can greatly 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
1.80 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
T5
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 housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the HMX SU switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence the sound profiles and overall tactile experiences they provide. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This quality not only enhances clarity in audio response but also allows for a more vivid interaction with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucent nature. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a duller yet more rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials leads to contrasting sound dynamics, making the Daybreak a more vibrant option and the SU a more muted, traditional approach.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, interestingly, both the Daybreak and the HMX SU utilize nylon. This commonality means they will produce a similar deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, creating a consistent tactile feel and a harmonious auditory experience when pressing down on either switch. The use of the same bottom housing material emphasizes a uniformity in sound dampening and tactile feedback, even though their top housings offer contrasting auditory aesthetics. Therefore, while the Daybreak is distinguished by its polycarbonate top for clarity, the similar nylon bottom ensures that the base interaction remains consistent across both switches.
Overall, the combination of materials in the Daybreak and HMX SU switches produces divergent yet complementary auditory signatures. While the polycarbonate top of the Daybreak brings vibrancy and visual appeal, the nylon bottom contributes to a shared deeper typing experience with the SU. When engaged with a key press, the nylon bottom’s ability to dampen sound is palpable in both switches, while the top housings' differing materials create unique experiences in sound release. This nuanced interplay of materials showcases how varying top and bottom housing combinations impact overall performance and personal preference in mechanical switches. Whether one favors the crispness of the Daybreak or the tradition of the HMX SU, similarities in their nylon bottom housing allow for a satisfying underlying experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Daybreak switch has an actuation force that is unspecified, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX SU switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a softer typing experience. Consequently, the HMX SU is the lighter switch, while the Daybreak is the heavier option. The difference in bottom out forces also indicates that the Daybreak provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will largely depend on personal preference: the Daybreak for those who enjoy a heavier, more tactile response, and the SU for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Daybreak features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SU has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Daybreak the longer option, providing a deeper key press that some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often favored for their efficiency and speed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you appreciate a more hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Daybreak would be the ideal switch, while those who prioritize rapid actuation may find the HMX SU to be the better option.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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
The Durock Daybreak linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it a great option for environments where noise control is prioritized. Its quiet operation complements this sound profile, ensuring that typing remains discreet. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle and relatively deep sound profile due to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. Although detailed sound descriptors for the SU are lacking, it is clear that, judging by its construction, the switch leans towards a more muted acoustic presence, similar to the Daybreak while also depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the Daybreak is polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish, along with potentially factory lubing, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing comfort. The specific tactile qualities of the HMX SU linear switch are not disclosed, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, the overall design aims to deliver a satisfying linear experience, which could appeal to users who appreciate a seamless keystroke.
In summary, both the Durock Daybreak and HMX SU linear switches deliver quiet and refined typing experiences, though the Daybreak's polished feel may offer an edge in smoothness. The Daybreak's low-pitched sound is matched by the SU's relatively deep acoustic profile, suggesting similar results in a work-friendly environment. Newcomers can confidently choose between these switches based on their preference for sound and feel, with the understanding that both options provide a solid foundation for a linear typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a sturdier feel and prefer a switch that provides a more significant tactile feedback while maintaining a quiet operation, the Daybreak’s medium-heavy actuation force and polished design will likely suit you well, especially in office settings or shared spaces where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a subtle sound profile, the HMX SU linear switch offers a lower actuation force, making it a great option for rapid typing and gaming without being overly loud. The Daybreak is ideal for those who value a more robust and deliberate typing experience, while the SU is excellent for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in a quieter setting. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, and your choice should reflect your specific needs and preferences.
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