Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and HMX Vintage Citrus present two compelling options for typists and gamers alike, though they cater to distinctly different preferences. The Durock Daybreak, with its robust 67g actuation force, provides a heftier typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially in quieter environments where muted performance is key. Its polished and low-pitched sound profile makes it an appealing choice for workspaces or settings demanding discretion. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are crafted with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire inputs essential in competitive scenarios. This switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile and an impressively smooth push feel, appealing to those who favor both speed and tactile feedback in their gameplay. While both switches can enhance the typing experience, their fundamental differences will guide users in making the best choice for their needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches present an interesting contrast in their top housing materials, showcasing the distinct acoustic properties of polycarbonate versus nylon. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as the clear polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing the visual experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer texture. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, ultimately delivering a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the choice of the top housing material significantly impacts the overall sound signature of each switch, with the Daybreak providing a brighter tone while the Vintage Citrus offers a richer bass.
Both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing, with both the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizing nylon. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon’s soft plastic nature allows it to absorb vibrations effectively. Consequently, when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a muted auditory experience that is smooth and well-rounded. The deep sound produced by the nylon bottom housing becomes a hallmark of both switches, ensuring that both models provide a satisfying tactile feel during use. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, they demonstrate a consistent quality in terms of sound generation upon keypress, solidifying their appeal among users who appreciate a dulled bottom-out sound.
In the overall comparison of the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the differing top housing materials create a unique interplay that shapes user experience. While the Daybreak’s polycarbonate top yields a brighter sound when releasing the key, the Vintage Citrus's nylon top contributes a softer auditory exit. This variation leads to contrasting experiences when typing on either switch, where the Daybreak emphasizes clarity and brightness, and the Vintage Citrus leans towards warmth and fullness. However, due to their shared nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent depth in sound across both models when bottoming out. In this way, while both switches can present significantly different characteristics in their sound profiles, they harmoniously complement each other through their common bottom housing material, offering a well-rounded experience despite their contrasts.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak's actuation force is unknown, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a known actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work hours or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the heavier bottom out force of the Daybreak provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who favor a firmer push. Overall, while the Daybreak may offer a firmer experience with its bottom out force, the Vintage Citrus provides lighter feedback and easier actuation, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This indicates that the Daybreak offers a more substantial keypress feel, which may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile experience when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's 3.0 mm travel distance may provide the quicker response times favored by gamers, allowing for faster key actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing experience, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while those who prefer a more significant key travel may lean towards the Daybreak.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 linear switch is characterized by a muted profile that produces a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, particularly in shared or professional environments. The sound signature is designed to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for those who prioritize discretion. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features an exceptionally bright, clacky sound profile, designed to provide auditory feedback that can enhance the gaming experience. This more pronounced sound can be appealing for gamers who enjoy the aural aspects of their interactions but might be less ideal in noise-sensitive settings.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switch delivers a polished typing experience, emphasizing smooth key travel and reduced friction, likely due to either high-quality materials or factory lubing. This refined finish contributes to a sleek and enjoyable typing feel, which can promote comfort during extended use. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch remain unknown, particularly its smoothness or any unique tactile sensations it may provide. However, given its low actuation force and design focus on quick key presses for gaming, it may offer a vastly different typing experience compared to the Daybreak.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak switch presents a heavy, muted sound and a polished feel, making it a solid choice for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its bright sound and gaming-centric quick actuation, though details on its tactile feedback are unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, whether one values a quieter, more refined experience or a lively, responsive action suited for gaming.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a more substantial typing experience, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom-out force is an excellent option. This medium-heavy actuation feels satisfying for typists who enjoy a heavier touch and appreciate a quiet operation, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in gaming scenarios, the Vintage Citrus with its remarkably low actuation force and quick 1mm travel distance is designed for you. This switch’s smooth push feel and bright, clacky sound profile enhance the gaming experience by enabling rapid key presses and feedback that many gamers crave. In essence, choose the Daybreak for a refined typing experience with a focus on quietness and weight, and opt for the Vintage Citrus if your gaming style demands agility and pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so consider what aspects matter most to you in your keyboard experience.
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