Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Daybreak and HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a unique typing experience. The Daybreak switch provides a heftier typing experience with its 67g actuation force, perfect for those who prefer a significant touch while maintaining a quiet operation. On the other hand, the Swift switch stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, paired with a delicate 42g actuation force for a different typing sensation. The Daybreak switch is best suited for workspaces or settings where noise reduction is crucial, while the Swift switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and bouncy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
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
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Swift utilize nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. While they both offer similar acoustic benefits, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound texture and feel while typing.
On the other hand, the top housing material for the Durock Daybreak differs from the HMX Swift, with the Daybreak featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is also known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The decision between the two may depend on whether the user prefers a more resonant and clear sound (Daybreak) or a deeper and fuller sound (Swift).
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and HMX Swift play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that results in a similar deep and full sound profile, they differ in their top housing materials. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, contrasting with the fuller and deeper sound produced by the Swift's nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound quality and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Swift has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force for the Daybreak is not specified, whereas the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams. The difference in bottom out force suggests that the Daybreak may offer a more substantial typing experience compared to the Swift. Those who prefer a heavier push feel may lean towards the Daybreak, while individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Swift. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Daybreak providing a heavier feel and the Swift offering a lighter touch, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them ideal choices for gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but those who are more sensitive to changes in keypress feel may prefer the Swift for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, whether you choose the Daybreak or Swift, you can expect a similar experience in terms of travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 of the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the HMX Swift linear switch, the Daybreak offers a more muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for quiet work environments. On the other hand, the Swift is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharper and more percussive typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Daybreak emphasizing a softer tone while the Swift leans towards a crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Swift switch is noted for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, with a light actuation force that enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, with the Daybreak focusing on a polished feel and the Swift providing a light and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak leans towards a muted and low-pitched sound with a polished typing experience, while the Swift emphasizes a clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and customization options to suit various typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preference for typing force and sound profile. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a quieter sound, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a deeper sound profile, the Swift with its 50g bottom out force and full nylon housings may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use the switches.
Mentioned in this article
