Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Sunset Gleam represent two appealing options for fans of linear switches, each catering to different preferences. The Daybreak is celebrated for its substantial 67g actuation force, delivering a satisfying weight that many typists appreciate, especially in quiet environments. Its polished and muted characteristics contribute to a soft, low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for office spaces where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is recognized for its unique combination of materials, which offers both a subtle top-out and an engaging clack, enhancing the tactile experience. The factory lubrication from HMX ensures smooth operation that many gamers and typists find appealing. Both switches cater to distinct user needs—whether you prefer the sturdy and quiet feel of the Daybreak or the nuanced acoustic pleasure of the Sunset Gleam. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
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
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 Sunset Gleam switches share a notable similarity in their materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, a benefit that both switches utilize. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its ability to produce clearer and more resonant acoustic qualities, making it an ideal choice for RGB-equipped switches as its translucency allows light to shine through effectively. As a result, users can expect a comparable auditory experience from both switches, particularly in terms of the sound that resonates when a key is released.
In contrast, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Daybreak and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon, a classic and well-regarded material for switch housings. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller tone when typing. This characteristic of nylon contributes to a rounder sound profile, which contrasts nicely with the brightness provided by the polycarbonate top. While both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, the nylon in the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Daybreak and Sunset Gleam switches leads to a well-rounded sound signature. The stiffer polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance during key releases, while the softer nylon enriches the overall typing experience by delivering a fuller sound when actuating the keys. Therefore, even with different materials in the top and bottom housings, the design of both switches allows for a harmonious blend of sound characteristics, giving typists a similar yet distinct acoustic profile.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak's actuation force is unspecified, while its bottom out force is 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Daybreak is the heavier switch overall, providing a more substantial typing experience suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Meanwhile, the lighter Sunset Gleam is ideal for users looking to type comfortably for extended periods, making it a suitable choice for work or long gaming sessions. Since the actuation force for the Daybreak is unknown, we cannot draw a direct comparison for that specific metric. However, the contrasting bottom out forces highlight how each switch aligns with different user preferences regarding weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences. The Daybreak features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Sunset Gleam may be the preferable choice, as it allows for quicker key presses due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, those who favor a more pronounced tactile experience might opt for the Daybreak, which offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel, the Daybreak is the longer option at 3.8 mm, and the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option at 3.5 mm.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched auditory profile. This switch offers a softer and quieter experience, which is ideal for environments where noise reduction is a necessity. The deep, bass-heavy tone contributes to an overall mellow sound, ensuring that you can type confidently without disturbing those around you. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound qualities are currently unspecified; thus, there are no comparative auditory qualities to draw from, making it difficult to ascertain how it stacks up against the Daybreak in terms of noise levels and more distinct sound characteristics.
Regarding the feel, the Daybreak linear switch excels with its polished finish, which provides a smooth and refined typing experience. The enhanced smoothness is attributed to either the materials used or the effective factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and seamless key travel that many typists find satisfying. While the Sunset Gleam's feel has not been elaborated upon, one could anticipate that the quality of the switch's construction may mirror the smoothness found in the Daybreak. However, without additional information on the Sunset Gleam’s texture and actuation experience, any direct comparisons remain speculative.
In summary, the Durock Daybreak switch is well-regarded for its muted sound profile and polished feel, making it a fantastic choice for quiet typing environments that still demand a heavier actuation force at 67g. The Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, offers a combination of satisfying sound and feel, but without detailed specifications, it’s challenging to directly compare it to the Daybreak. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and while the Daybreak provides a more defined experience, the Sunset Gleam's characteristics might appeal based on user preference for sound and other tactile feedback when more information is available.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, consider your personal typing preferences and varying environments. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Daybreak may be your go-to option. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with its polished feel, makes it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces where quiet operation is essential. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and a consistent, reliable performance that can withstand long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean toward a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam could be the right fit for you. Known for its satisfying clack and smooth actuation, it is well-suited for users who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience without the need for heavy force. Whether you are looking for a muted and refined typing experience or a lively and responsive switch, both options cater effectively to different styles, ensuring that you can find something that suits your unique preferences.
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